St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church
Weekly Newsletter
Sunday 19th October
Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity
10.30 am Nether Edge Quakers' shared Meeting for Worship
Nether Edge Quakers' shared Meeting for Worship with St Andrews Psalter Lane Church will take place on Sunday 19th October at 10.30am.
We'll be holding it in the church again this year with a circle created around the dais and we will be welcoming the church congregation and all others who wish to join us.
Meeting will be followed by refreshments and the opportunity to meet old friends and new.
Please put it in your diary and support this interfaith event!
Open to all.
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God,
increase in us your gift of faith
that, forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to that which is before,
we may run the way of your commandments
and win the crown of everlasting joy;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
The 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 last week's Newsletter here.
NEXT SUNDAY
Sunday 26th October
Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
10.30 am Holy Communion Revd Canon 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 Wednesday Service in Church
Monday 20th October
7.30 pm Property & Finance Meeting, Shirley House landing
Friday 24th October
7.00 pm Choir Rehearsal in church
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
Methodist leaders welcome Bishop Sarah Mullally as new Archbishop of Canterbury
“We warmly welcome the news of Bishop Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury. We pray God’s blessing upon her for this profoundly important ministry. May God guide Archbishop Sarah in her leadership within our public life, within the Church of England and among the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Methodist Church and the Church of England are covenanted partners: in local communities across the country Methodists and Anglicans are growing together in responding to the gospel of God’s love in Christ, enriching one another’s discipleship, and sharing in worship and mission.
"As church leaders, we look forward to walking alongside Archbishop Mullally in that same spirit of partnership in the coming years. Our present age demands a confident and united witness by the Church, to the love and grace of God that can mend divisions and overcome the fears of our world. We are encouraged by Bishop Sarah’s clear commitment to making the Church a safe space for all, where all are welcome and can thrive. We will keep Bishop Sarah and her family in our prayers as she takes up this significant and demanding global role.”
The Revd Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference
Mr Matt Forsyth, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference
The Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference
Wear your Faith Fortnight: 26th October - 9th November The Diocese of Sheffield is inviting Christians across South Yorkshire to wear a symbol of their faith for two weeks. As the season changes and the nights get darker, let’s wear our faith and share the hope and light that Jesus brings.
Rather than producing new badges for 2025, we are encouraging people to find their own symbol of faith to wear this year – you can wear any symbol of your faith to take part. People might choose a piece of jewellery, a badge from a previous year, a wristband, a T-shirt, or something else.
Of course, we don’t need to wear a symbol of faith to show that we’re followers of Jesus – our words, actions and attitude speak volumes. But wearing a symbol of our faith can inspire others and let them know that we’re open to conversations about faith.
SAPLC Choir Rehearsals Autumn 2025 There is news for all current and potential choir members: from 17th October 2025 Emily Bowden will be leading the choir in preparation for the forthcoming Advent Carol Service (10.30am on 30th November) and the Carol Service (6.00pm on 21st December).
Rehearsals will be weekly on Friday evenings between now and Christmas but starting later than previously, at 7.00pm, and finishing by 8.15pm at the latest. Don’t worry if you are unable to attend all the rehearsals, but clearly the more the better!
Most of the rehearsals will be in church except for 28th November, 12th and 19th December, when we will meet in room 1, Shirley House.
Please let Liz Bentley or Mary Mitchell know if you wish to join the choir, new members are always welcome.
Save the date: Sheffield carols evening Tuesday 9 December 6.30 - 8.30 pm After great success last year SAPLC's Sheffield carols social evening is back! Simon will provide the music for us to join in singing from Sheffield's folk carol tradition. I will be asking for volunteers to help with refreshments nearer the time but for now just make sure the date is marked in your diaries. Rachel Morris
Calling all Crafters! We are planning to have a few stalls selling hand-made gifts at the Sheffield Carols Evening - if you would be interested in having a stall, please speak to Clare Loughridge (07593 823893, clare@standrewspsalterlane.org.uk)
Project Christmas Angel – October update How is it October already??? Thank you to everyone who has offered to make Angels, and hope that you’re underway with your projects to help us to give as many as we can to the local community this year from SAPLC.
If you would like to contribute and help by knitting or crocheting or sewing or felting some Angels for us we would love this, there’s plenty of time to get involved – there are some knitting and crochet patterns in the Narthex or simply use your own, anything would work as long as we can hang it up / leave it for people to take home and hang on their trees. You may notice a few in the Narthex already, please feel free to add to them if you’d like to.
We would also like to make some to give away at the carol service on the 21st December, and maybe have some paper ones to hang in church like bunting.
If you aren’t a knitter, crocheter or sew-er, then would you like to make some paper
Angels instead? Here is a link to a free template for paper angels to download from
Super Fun Printables…..
Many thanks, Jan x
Jan Owen 07776261594 janowen@doctors.org.uk
Cheryl Collins 07740 557944 cheryl62collins@btinternet.com
Mapping our Community Those of you who were at either of our after-service church meetings will remember we expressed a desire to reach out to the surrounding community more. In order to help us think and plan more knowledgeably I offered to do an ‘audit’ mapping both who lives in our area from available statistics and what is happening in our area from research, interviews and going to have a look. I first did this kind of project back in 1993 when I became curate of the old St Andrew’s and it has been a regular part of my ministry. I would welcome anyone who is interested in working on this with me and also any knowledge or ideas any of you have. You can reach me on 07740 557944 or at cheryl62collins@btinternet.com. The aim is to produce something which collects together all this information and our ideas as well as any opportunities to join in with work other organizations are already doing. Cheryl Collins
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.
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
Reflect Open Day Conference 2025 - 1st November
The conference will take place at Victoria Hall (S1 2JB) from 10.30 am-3.30 pm.The keynote speaker will be Rev’d Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference 2025-2026. Afternoon workshops include Walking the Labyrinth and Methodist Collection of Modern Art. Book your place via email gilldascombe@hotmail.com. There’s no charge but donations will always be welcome. Parking available at Q Par Charles Street with a 30% discount when pre-booking through their website. www.q-park.co.uk using code TFVH30.
Hope and Optimism + Diabetes Saturday 8th November
Fabulous free event! Free lunch & refreshments! Amazing tech support! The best information!
Great music! Plus Confidence & Friendship Event for Children.
Saturday 8th November, 10 am - 3.30 pm at The Circle, Rockingham Lane, S1 4FW
Plus 2 other events: Oceanic – life changing research inspiring hope, with Professor Solomon Tesfaye on Thursday 20th November; and Social and Grand Raffle draw on Thursday 11th December.
See posters in narthex for full details
Thinking Faith: Understanding Islam Sunday 9th November at 7.00 pm
At St Mark's Sheffield. Muslim Chaplain Ameena Blake will speak about her faith and spiritual journey, helping us gain a better understanding of Islam. Christians and Muslims share Abrahamic roots and a reverence for Jesus, even if they see Him in different ways. Ameena holds a Master’s in Islamic Studies, serves as Chaplain to the University of Sheffield and South Yorkshire Police, and is Director of Eden Houses UK, supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
This session is for anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of Islam. See poster in narthex.
Jesus Loves Me This I Know For The Bible Tells Me So
Jesus Loves Me This I Know For The Bible Tells Me So: The Bible today in personal, church and community use. An Autumn lecture by The Revd Canon Mark Brown, aiming to resource you personally, and in your leadership role.
This event is hosted by All Saints Ecclesall on Wednesday, 12th November at 7:30pm - 9:00pm, and is open to all in the Diocese of Sheffield. No booking required, refreshments served after the lecture!
Christian Aid carol singing
This will take place outside the former Debenhams shop on Saturday 6th December from 2.00 - 3.00 pm. The organiser, Sara Millard, would like to know if people are able to come. Please email her: cello67@hotmail.com if you are able to join in.
Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage in March 2026
Taking place from 14 – 20 March 2026, this 100km journey along the Portuguese Way from Vigo to Santiago, Spain, is open to everyone, regardless of faith. Pilgrimage offers an incredible opportunity for self-reflection, connection with new people, and building community along the way. On this occasion, it also offers the opportunity to support life-changing charities in Sheffield.
Please see the poster in the narthex for more details. Or get in touch - sheffieldcathedral.org
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 Property Manager Alastair Morris:
'Many thanks to everyone who helped at the Working Party on Saturday 4th October. The next outdoor Working Party will be on Saturday 1st November at 9.30 am. 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!
‘Day One’ Climate Exhibition at Sheffield Manor Lodge
“Every Movement Has a Day One – This Is Ours” Launches Thursday 23 October (4.00 – 6.00 pm)
Open to the public Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October
The exhibition showcases creative work around climate change by Sheffield young residents working alongside the council’s Youth Voice & Influence Service and arts organisation My Pockets.
By showcasing young people’s views, experiences and solutions for tackling climate change in Sheffield, the exhibition hopes to encourage people to start conversations in their communities and ultimately take action.
Free entry, but please book tickets at:
https://sheffieldmanorlodge.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/71206
Water Saving Water is a precious resource so staying with the water saving theme, Yorkshire Water are working with a company called Aqualogic who are undertaking FREE water saving home visits which could help save up to £75 per year on your water and energy bills.
Sign up online at www.fit2save.net or ring Aqualogic on 0332 400266 to book a convenient time for an engineer’s visit. The engineer will carry out a survey of your water use and explain how basic every day changes could help you save water, energy and money on your bills.
The engineer will recommend the right FREE Fit2Save products for you based on the survey and they’ll be fitted on the day. This will probably all take less than an hour!
More Recycling in Sheffield in 2026 Improvements will be made to Sheffield’s recycling collection services next year to make it easier for residents to recycle.
The changes will see:
The addition of plastic pots, tubs, trays, aerosols, foil, and cartons into existing brown bins for recycling by 31 March 2026.
In summer 2026, households will receive a 240 litre blue bin for paper and card, to replace the current 140 litre blue bin to make it easier to recycle paper and card.
The addition of plastic films into existing brown bins by 31 March 2027.
Further information will be provided to all households prior to the changes taking place next year
Traidcraft loo roll
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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
October - Saving Water
Laundry
Less than 100 years ago, washing clothes took hours of backbreaking work - it wasn’t just a chore, it was an all day event. We’ve come a long way since then – now we can throw clothes in the machine, add detergent, and off you go. But there’s more progress to be made.
Laundry detergent packaging creates a huge volume of plastic waste – not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions from retailers transporting it across the country. Traidcraft laundry sheets eliminate plastic waste, reduce emissions, and make that next load of laundry even quicker.
Best of all, the profits from Traidcraft laundry sheets fund Transform Trade’s work with producers in Africa and Asia - helping hardworking farmers and artisans to increase their incomes and build a more secure future for their families. Order here.
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!