Events
Interesting and inspiring events happening in and around Chesterfield
GOOD FRIDAY WALK OF WITNESS
Our traditional Good Friday Walk of Witness begins as usual at 11am at the Town Hall and finishes outside the Parish Church. The procession stops at several points in New Square and Vicar Lane for a Bible reading and hymn based on Good Friday and there is normally a large wooden cross carried at the head of the procession. An opportunity for contemplation of the price our Saviour paid to set us free and to witness to others what it means to us.
CTfC AGM
Join us for our annual review of what has been achieved in the last 12 months and a look ahead to what is planned for 2025. please make sure your church is represented. Watch this space for confirmation of venue.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
“It Is Well with My Soul” The Musical
St John’s Walton, Walton Back Lane, Chesterfield, S42 7LT
Sat 29th March 2025 7:00PM
"It is Well with My Soul" is one of the most beloved hymns of all time, with words by Horatio Spafford and music by Philip Bliss. This new musical tells the story of Philip and his wife, Lucy, how at the end of the American Civil War, they end up moving to the growing metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, to make a new life for themselves. It is there they meet lawyer Horatio Spafford and his wife Anna, producer and publisher George Root, and preacher and philanthropist D L Moody. As Philip begins to gain prominence as a soloist and hymn-writer, temptation begins to creep in: how will Philip handle the temptations that come with his new life? And how will the Blisses handle the tragic circumstances of the Great Chicago Fire and the loss of the Spafford girls in the sinking of the Ville du Havre?
Join us at St John’s (Walton Back Lane, Chesterfield, S42 7HE, where there is plenty of parking) on Saturday 29th March starting 7pm for this theatrical production that traverses through pain, loss, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. An exploration of hope against all odds, this new musical invites you to reflect, empathise, and find a common thread through the tapestry of time.
Tickets £12.50 (£8 for 18 & under). To secure your tickets email events@stjohnswalton.co.uk or phone Ian Macleod on 07836 785749, and please say if you require BSL signing.
WATOTO CHOIR IN CONCERT
All the way from Uganda, East Africa, the Watoto Children's Choir will be performing songs from their brand new album, "Better Days - There Is Hope". Come join us as they sing, dance, and share their stories of restoration and hope.
Watoto has rescued over 3,000 children who have been orphaned or abandoned. These incredible children are being raised to become future leaders who will transform their nation. The choir has travelled the world and sung for royalty and in every major parliament around the world. We're so excited to welcome them to St Thomas' for an evening not to be missed. They come with a message that we want you to hear: "No matter what you're going through, Jesus is our hope and there are better days ahead."
There is no charge for the concert but you do need to book at ticket as they are always in high demand, tickets are available at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/watoto-childrens-choir-in-better-days-2025-chesterfield-tickets-1107254490989?aff=oddtdtcreator
A collection for the work of Watoto will be taken on the night.
WATOTO CHOIR IN CONCERT
All the way from Uganda, East Africa, the Watoto Children's Choir will be performing songs from their brand new album, "Better Days - There Is Hope". Come join us as they sing, dance, and share their stories of restoration and hope.
Watoto has rescued over 3,000 children who have been orphaned or abandoned. These incredible children are being raised to become future leaders who will transform their nation. The choir has travelled the world and sung for royalty and in every major parliament around the world. We're so excited to welcome them to St Thomas' for an evening not to be missed. They come with a message that we want you to hear: "No matter what you're going through, Jesus is our hope and there are better days ahead."
There is no charge for the concert but you do need to book at ticket as they are always in high demand, tickets are available at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/watoto-childrens-choir-in-better-days-2025-chesterfield-tickets-1107254490989?aff=oddtdtcreator
A collection for the work of Watoto will be taken on the night.
ASH WEDNESDAY WALK
We plan to repeat last year’s ‘Walking with Men’ memorial walk at Markham Vale on Ash Wednesday 5th March 2025. We see the names of the miners who died inscribed on ‘walking’ figures up and down the hill which many followed down to the pit and back. Last year people were moved by the experience.
This year it is possible to go by bus from Beetwell St at 9.53, the bus tours round much of Chesterfield and Staveley to arrive just in time for the walk. Everyone welcome. Rendezvous at 11am at the Environment Centre.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CHESTERFIELD MEETING
Dear Friends,
Our next meeting will be held on 24/02/2025 at Central Methodist Church starting at 7.30pm.
We will start our planning for our 2025 events at this meeting and it would be lovely to see as many of our churches represented as possible. All ideas are welcome.
The agenda for this meeting is below.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Kind regards
The CEC Committee
Agenda for CEC Meeting
24/02/2025 @ 7.30pm at Central Methodist Church
1. Welcome & Opening Prayer
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of the previous meeting.
4.Matters Arising (not elsewhere on the Agenda).
5. Finance
6. Events for 2025
8. Logo competition.
9. Fundraising
10. AOB.
11. Final Prayer and the Grace
STORRS ROAD METHODISTS CELEBRATE 125 YEARS
Storrs Road Methodist Church has asked us to publicise the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Storrs Road, Methodist Church taking place over the weekend 21st to 23rd February. This is an important moment in the life of the church and they are extending a warm invitation to all of us to give thanks to God for his blessings and to come along and join in their celebratory programme of events.
Sunday 23rd February
10.30am THE SUNDAY SERVICE led by THE REVD GILL NEWTON, Chair of the Sheffield Methodist District, and recently President of the Methodist Conference.
This will be followed by a FAITH LUNCH in the CHURCH CENTRE.
For further information on the Faith Lunch please contact:
Jenny Murphy on 07712 298280 or Maggie Roberts on 07841 860241
STORRS ROAD METHODISTS CELEBRATE 125 YEARS
Storrs Road Methodist Church has asked us to publicise the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Storrs Road, Methodist Church taking place over the weekend 21st to 23rd February. This is an important moment in the life of the church and they are extending a warm invitation to all of us to give thanks to God for his blessings and to come along and join in their celebratory programme of events.
Programme of Events
Saturday 22nd February
1PM - 3PM The exhibition celebrating the Church over the past 125 years will now be available for visitors to see in the church. Light refreshments will be served
STORRS ROAD METHODISTS CELEBRATE 125 YEARS
Storrs Road Methodist Church has asked us to publicise the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Storrs Road, Methodist Church taking place over the weekend 21st to 23rd February. This is an important moment in the life of the church and they are extending a warm invitation to all of us to give thanks to God for his blessings and to come along and join in their celebratory programme of events.
PROGRAMME of EVENTS
Friday 21st February - the official opening day
11.00am in the CHURCH CENTRE there will be an exhibition celebrating the Church over the past 125 years. Light refreshments will be served;
1.45pm The Revd Mark Carrick will ceremonially open the Church Door, symbolic of 125 years, followed by a COMMEMORATIVE ACT of WORSHIP
3.00pm there will be a VICTORIAN AFTERNOON TEA in the CHURCH CENTRE at a cost of £10.00. Tickets will be available from the end of January by telephoning either Jenny Murphy on 07712 298280 or Maggie Roberts on 07841 860241.
ZOOM PRAYERS FOR HOPE HOUSE
Zoom Prayer Meeting for Hope House. Meeting details to be added nearer the time.
GOOD FRIDAY WALK OF WITNESS
Our traditional Good Friday Walk of Witness begins as usual at 11am at the Town Hall and finishes outside the Parish Church. The procession stops at several points in New Square and Vicar Lane for a Bible reading and hymn based on Good Friday and there is normally a large wooden cross carried at the head of the procession. An opportunity for contemplation of the price our Saviour paid to set us free and to witness to others what it means to us.
CTFC SONGS OF PRAISE
Please let everyone in your churches know this revised date for our next Songs of Praise which is always popular. As always it will be a mix of Christian music, hymns and songs of various styles alongside testimonies and updates from individuals and organisations working in our patch. This time we are delighted to welcome local legend John Bown amongst the speakers and to be including a Taize style contribution.
NEXT CTFC FORUM
The next meeting of the forum of Christians Together for Chesterfield will be on Wednesday 21st February at 2.30pm in Room 3 at Central Methodist Church.
The idea of trying an afternoon meeting (especially in the winter months) was agreed at the last forum as an experiment. Watch this space for confirmation of the venue and get in touch if you would like to receive the minutes and agenda as soon as these are ready.
ASH WEDNESDAY WALK
We plan to repeat last year’s ‘Walking with Men’ memorial walk at Markham Vale on Ash Wednesday 14th February 2024. In this year when there is to be an exhibition in the Market Hall to mark 40 years since the miners’ strike, we go back another 11 years to the last of 3 disasters in the Markham Pit. We see the names of the miners who died inscribed on ‘walking’ figures up and down the hill which many followed down to the pit and back. Last year people were moved by the experience.
This year it is possible to go by bus from Beetwell St at 9.53, the bus tours round much of Chesterfield and Staveley to arrive just in time for the walk. Everyone welcome. Rendezvous at 11am at the Environment Centre.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
You are invited to join us for an event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Saturday 27th January. We will be gathering by the pump in the market place.
United Service
This year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is 18th to 25th January. You are all invited to a United Service organised by Churches Together in Newbold to be held at 6pm on Sunday 21st January at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church on Newbold Road (S41 7BE). The service will be led by Rev Caroline Andrews.
CTFC FORUM
Dear members of Christians Together for Chesterfield,
We are all busy people, but we need each other's help to make CTfC more dynamic and an important contribution to the whole Christian initiative in and around the Borough of Chestefield. We rejoice in all that is good and we support one another when times are worrying and challenging. Please pray that we with The Lord's help, we may, individually and corporately, make a worthwhile contribution.
It is good that we are aware of what is going on (or what is not but should be). Do come to the meeting at St Andrews this Tuesday, if you are able. there are many things to discuss and keep abreast of as well as hearing about how the various churches in our area are living the Gospel.
The Agendas were distributed several days ago. If you happen to need a copy please email me.
Yours in Christ
James
jamesbd@btinternet.com
CTFC Forum
Your presence is requested at an important meeting of the Forum of CTfC to be held at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Newbold Road, Chesterfield S41 7BE on Wednesday 26th July 2023, beginning at 7.00pm.
Hello fellow Christians,
We hope you will be able to attend next week's gathering when we have an opportunity to meet with others from different Churches and Christian Communities. It gives us an opportunity, not only to show that we have much to rejoice about, but it also reminds us that Jesus prayed that his followers would be 'one' as he and his heavenly Father are one. It is perhaps one of those passages in Scripture that is easier to ignore rather than follow.
Christians Together is trying: as a committed group to make fellowship possible, to increase awareness of what oursister churches are doing and rejoicing when we are able to worship and witness together in Christ's name and support each other's initiatives.
Do come along. Share what you feel is good or is a cause for concern. We will all be enriched by being alongside each other.
Your fellow servant in Christ.
James Dickinson (Secretary)jamesbd@btinternet.com
Whit Walk / Procession of Witness
In 2023 we are delighted that the Whit Walk is returning in Chesterfield. Expect all the same colour and fun but this time there are some changes to the route.
We will be meeting outside the town hall at 9.45 am for worship and prayer then moving down into town to New Square, along to Vicar Lane, back up Steeplegate and returning to the town hall.
Our theme this coronation year is ‘Jesus, King of Kings’.
It would be lovely to have all the local churches involved and to see a great crowd of onlookers. Please spread the word and let us know asap if you would like your church to be included in the programme.
CTfC FORUM MEETING
A date for your diary - the next CTfC forum meeting. Hopefully we will be able to meet in person, venue TBC but if not we will continue on zoom. Do make sure your church or organisation is represented and your voice is heard. I’m posting below the minutes of the last meeting so you can see the range of topics covered in one of these meetings.
Paul King, in the chair, offered opening prayers.
Previous AGM Minutes for 13th April 2021were signed off. Updates:
Website: It will be going live as soon as Jeff Kitts, treasurer, can link a bank card to the subscription with Ben Bentley. Jacky Kendrew and Ian Birchmore have access for editing.
Visiting New Housing: Paul King asked for volunteers to accompany him to distribute welcome letter to new homes in the area. Disappointing non replies from Chesterfield clergy to this subject of reaching out to new individuals in the parishes. Only two responses saying no personnel available and no interest. Dunston has two new sites for visiting. Angela Webster volunteered.
New appointment: at Holy Trinity Newbold, the Rev Rachel ?? is in place, daughter of Rex Brassington. Thanksgiving/Lament Gathering after Covid 19: Suggestion to contact councillors Howard Burrell/Ed Fordham and Tricia Gilby (Leader of CBC) to see if Football Club was a possibility and if any plans for a municipal event was envisaged. A report from York was read out re event there, led by the mayor who is a clergyman. Colin reported what the Bible Society and Redeemer King were doing, a garden based on the 23rd Psalm. See https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/psalm-23/the-garden/ Sarah Eberle has developed the design of the Psalm 23 Garden for the Chelsea Flower Show and encourages individuals and churches to do similar projects around the country. Clr. Howard Burrell has made helpful comments on a phone call and so has Peter Whiteley from Chesterfield Borough Council.
Climate Change: There is an ongoing relay of people walking from Carbis Bay in Cornwall, site of the G7 Summit to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021. A section from Huthwaite to Chesterfield before continuing to Sheffield invites Christians to join the walkers. It is intended to give refreshments at a town venue approx. 18:30 on September 4th. Jennie & James Robinson have offered beds for the night. Chesterfield Climate Alliance have been evicted from their shop in the Precinct to allow a tenant to move in, the centre staff have helped greatly to find a new site in the adjoining unit for new material to be presented.
Caring for Creation: for Lent was a success with groups studying it this year with very favourable comments about its content. David said one person dropped out because the content was too distressing. Hopefully Rev Steve Barwell is organising it again in the Autumn. The material can be used at any time of the year and more poignant as COP26 meets at the end of the year to discuss world climate change issues. The booklets, notes and CDs can be recycled for others to use. Material has been handed to Rev. S Barwell.
The Compass: Valley CIDs/Blend Youth Project restarting after staff are recalled from furlough.
Hope House: Progressing with 9 guests last heard, some individuals have been necessarily evicted due to unsociable behaviour as is expected. This is not an easy clientele to work with and takes a lot of patience and experience. Pathways: still working/housing with individuals, staff are still home based, till end of July, as well as on daily outreach. Tenancy support still visiting people with P3 and volunteers to make sure clients are safe, taking medication and mental health under control. Covid has helped a lot of individuals get back to some kind of normal with a roof over their heads, the lifting of the ban on evictions will bring new challenges.
Street/School Pastors: Desperate need for new Street Pastors as numbers down to nine available instead of the original thirty ten years ago. The coordinator Jacky Kendrew urgently needs venues/zoom meetings to recruit new members. With the night time economy re opening more patrols are required to help those in need. Contact to be made with Father Craig at the Church of the Annunciation to seek opportunity for a presentation.
Holmebrook Valley Family Centre: Ian was on a Health & Welfare meeting Tuesday 6th July and no further news of who will take over the premises from Valley CIDs as a community centre.
Salvation Army: The new shop is busy and services have resumed.
Storrs Road Methodist Church: have resumed services but still nervousness with some congregation members. A new initiative by the Methodist Church was announced by Stephen called “New Places for New People” concentrating on two areas Barrow Hill and Derby Road where deprivation is high.
Redeemer King Church meeting at Parish Centre, Stonegravels on Sheffield Road Wanted New Pastor: For Redeemer King Church, advert being sent out. Carl Beech left to run Edge Ministries in space leased from Staveley Methodist Church.
Umbrellas Cosy Hub: https://umbrellascosyhub.org.uk/team started by Jane and George Bentley at 7 Burns Close, Chesterfield provides a community centre for the Grangewood area with links to New Life church. Working alongside Sts Augustines and Gussies Kitchen.
Care Homes: Letter of encouragement was sent to 44 Care Homes in our area last year, two homes asked for help with services. Hare Hill Court started meeting for a short service and bible study. Through advertising through CTfC a new chair to replace David Botham is to be appointed, Steve Fisher (retired URC minister) now based at St Johns Walton.
Derbyshire Churches Together: Ongoing difficulties with CTiD are being addressed, hopefully now on Saturday October 9th, with all Derbyshire LEPs invited.
Chesterfield Foodbank: Ian reported over 5,520 individuals were fed in the April 1st 2020 - to March 31st 2021 year. Numbers have been rising with some professional individuals now needing help. A review is going on to look at opening the five centres to customers safely and return of Citizens Advice presence, CAB has taken over calls for Job Centres regarding Universal Credit. Food stocks are steady in the warehouse but desperate for certain items and finances remain strong with donations from churches and individuals. A new van will be required to replace the present one, larger volume to keep up with the pick ups and deliveries.
Hospital Chaplaincy Team: Colin and Kathleen said all members vaccinated, met to plan volunteers return. Three clergy people helping Chaplain, Father Adrian 2 days a week, Rev Beverley and Sister Jude. The Royal still reluctant to have visitors or volunteers at present.
Forever Alive: Angela presented an initiative with churches in the Clay Cross Area to put on an event on Saturday 18th July 5:30-8:30 in Tesco car park with comedian, band, etc. Tickets online £5.98 from Eventbrite www.foreveralive.co.uk 500 places for cars in a safe environment.
Long Covid Support: David Bunting to talk to Rev Steve Barwell re Renew Well Being, help for those still suffering the effects of the pandemic. Cornerstone Methodist designated a “Safe Space” for those who need to talk to someone. Christian Education: Nothing to Report.
Recruiting Board members - Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Credit Union is looking for new Board members. You don't need any financial background in particular but an interest in supporting your local community via its credit union would be great. This is a voluntary position, the Board meets monthly in the evening. For further details please contact: Katy Martin on katy.- martin@nedcu.co.uk . You can find out more about the CU generally via our website which is: www.cnedcu.co.uk.
The Green: A new Enterprise & Training Centre is now open in Loundsley Green as part of the Loundsley Green Community Trust of which Ian is a director and trustee. This ex vicarage has been transformed into 5 rental offices for people starting out or working from home at low rent. Also two meeting rooms to be used by the businesses and the community to hire. These can be used for meetings, training, presentations, conferences, etc.
AOB: Secretary’s comment: We thank everyone for their attendance and input.
Next Forum: Monday 20th September 7:00pm 2021, at a venue if possible or still by Zoom.
LOVE CHESTERFIELD COMMUNITY MARKET
The Love Chesterfield Community Market replaces the Medieval Market of previous years. There will be stalls of many kinds by local charities and community organisations - you might want to book one for your church? The market place will be a hive of activity with street entertainers and, if last year was anything to go by, lots of family fun in a great atmosphere.
