Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

Charlotte Roberts, Head of Education at Sheffield Cathedral, is on the podcast today talking about: ✝️ Walking the St Cuthbert’s pilgrimage solo✝️ Doing the Camino pilgrimage with Sheffield Cathedral colleagues✝️ Her pride of being born and bred in Sheffield✝️ Helping to make heritage relevant and engaging in her current role✝️ Her background in teaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Bell, CEO and Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese, is today’s guest on the Words of Grace podcast.Katie talks about:✝️ Her lifelong Yorkshire roots ✝️ What she learned from her time working with the Salvation Army✝️ Feeling called into diocesan leadership✝️ How her faith has shaped her working life✝️ Her passion for mission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Dr Simon Cross, guest speaker at this year’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture, is a guest on Words of Grace today.Simon talks about:✝️ His lecture topic - ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God’✝️ Growing up in an atheist household✝️ His time in aviation as an airline pilot✝️ Ordination and his calling to the permanent diaconate✝️ The importance of not outsourcing our critical thinking to AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I remember thinking there is more to life than all of those material things… and his name is Jesus."Revd Nick McKee, Director of Ministry Development for the Church of England, joins us for a special Vocations Sunday episode of Words of Grace.Nick talks about:✝️ Why vocations matter more than ever✝️ How every Christian has a vocation✝️ Sharing his journey from shyness to national leadership✝️How churches can grow and flourish during vacancy when lay vocations are released ✝️How nothing is wasted by the Lord Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Paul introduce this week’s episode, featuring a recording of Revd Dr Simon Cross at Sheffield Cathedral and his talk on ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God’ at this year’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture.Simon discusses in his lecture:✝️ The possible scenarios that could happen if AI advances further✝️ What AI means for our relationship with God✝️ The pros and cons of AI for the Christian faithSimon will join us as a guest on next week’s episode of Words of Grace.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Butler, Development Manager for House of Opportunity, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.She talks about:✝️ The work the group do to prevent human trafficking and exploitation ✝️ Helping at-risk young people in Southeast Europe✝️ Her calling to Sheffield and Rotherham✝️ Coming to faith at the age of 3✝️ Being part of the worship band at The Rivers Team Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rt Revd Dr Tim Ellis, Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and Chris Ellis, Church Buildings Officer, are on Words of Grace today for a special father and son episode.They talk about:✝️ Why Sheffield is a special place for them both✝️ Passion for ministry in deprived areas✝️ How Tim becoming a bishop felt like reconnecting with parish ministry✝️ How the idea of Church Explorers Week came about✝️ Which one of them is 99% Sheffield – according to Ancestry DNA! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"In Jesus, God draws near to wipe away tears. May this annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ - and his victory over death and darkness and despair - fill your hearts with joy this Easter". Bishop Pete shares his Easter message of joy and hope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnson, Centenary Project Worker at St John’s Goole, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today, talking about:✝️ The impact her nan had on her faith✝️ How an Alpha course helped to encourage her journey with Jesus✝️ The Goole community✝️ Encouraging youth work✝️ The story of an upside-down bible Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Hannah Hupfield, Associate Archdeacon Transition Enabler (AATE) for Adwick le Street & Snaith & Hatfield, is today’s guest for our 150th episode of Words of Grace.Hannah talks about:✝️ Her upbringing in Tamworth✝️ Getting married and preparing for ordination whilst studying at university✝️ Studying for theological college in Cambridge✝️ Feeling called to the Diocese of Sheffield✝️ Why the role of AATE is one of the best in the Church of England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beth Henshaw, Focal Minister across Aston, Ulley, and Todwick, joins Ben and guest co-host Graham on the podcast today.Beth talks about:✝️ Growing up in Aston in a Christian family✝️ Having ME as a teenager✝️ Being diagnosed with autism last year and how it helped her understand herself better✝️ Her passion for learning✝️ Leading Godly Play and Messy Church Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd June Fox, Focal Minister for St James Woodhouse, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.June discusses:✝️ Being a ‘distinctive deacon’ and what that means✝️ Living and working in the same deanery throughout her life✝️ How a church initiative helped to bring her to faith✝️ Serving in different church roles across the years✝️ The best crime thriller series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rev Helen Terry and Rev Debbie Coyne-Fearn are our guest hosts for today’s International Women’s Day special. Helen and Debbie interview Charlene and Megan from The Rivers Team congregation, and talk about:✝️ The women who inspire them✝️ The women in the bible they’d like to meet✝️ Charlene and Megan’s parents’ experience of moving from Zimbabwe to the UK✝️ Experiences of preaching at a young age✝️ Encouraging other women Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo Colson, HR Manager for the Diocese of Sheffield, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.Leo talks about:✝️ The HR support available for parishes ✝️ How to get in touch for any help✝️Why his current role is the best he’s ever had Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘I believe God calls us to change this world and demonstrate the kingdom of God in practical and tangible ways’The Venerable David Gerrard, Archdeacon for Sheffield and Rotherham, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.David talks about:✝️ Growing up in a Methodist family in Prestatyn ✝️ Getting married, graduating and starting a new job in a matter of weeks✝️ Why evangelism and social action must go hand in hand✝️ How the calling to his role here came about✝️ Which sci-fi franchise he owns the entire DVD collection of Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Cliff Kay, Rector of Gleadless with Frecheville Parish, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Cliff discusses:✝️ Growing up in Bradford during a difficult childhood in various houses✝️ Coming to faith in his teens, but realising God was always with him✝️ His mum coming to faith later in life✝️ Knowing when he met his now wife Jane that she was the one✝️ Sharing his testimonies on his journey to ordination and then SheffieldThis episode comes with a trigger warning due to some of the subjects discussed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Ben Lacey, Assistant Curate at All Saints Ecclesall, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.Ben talks about:✝️ Growing up in churches around the Diocese of Sheffield✝️ The importance of unity across traditions✝️ The tough decisions made in his ordination journey✝️ The rich experiences he had of teaching in a Catholic school✝️ How he failed his driving test outside Church House Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘I just burst into tears – which is not like me at all – and said, “I’ve been running away from God for too long”. I started exploring ordination after that’. Revd Kath Lonsborough, Assistant Curate at St Paul’s Wordsworth Avenue, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast.Kath discusses:✝️ How being confirmed at 11 helped shape her faith in adulthood✝️ Her sense of social justice from a young age✝️ Feeling called to serve at the Parsons Cross foodbank✝️ Her first calling to ordination in 2007 and initially rejecting it✝️ Getting her black belt in martial arts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Helena Roulston, Head of Chaplaincy at Sheffield Hallam University, is on the podcast today.Helena talks about:✝️ Growing up in an inter-church family✝️ Her university thesis on The Eucharist: ‘A Sacrament of unity in a divided church’✝️ Being asked for advice by mainly non-religious students in her current role✝️ The importance of a multi-faith chaplaincy✝️ Training for ordination at Wescott House Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Very quickly, it made sense. Within a couple of months of reading my bible and praying…I had fallen in love with Jesus’. Revd Mike Gilbert, Associate Archdeacon Transition-Enabler for Ecclesfield and Hallam, is on the podcast today.Mike talks about:✝️ Being drawn back to faith as a teenager✝️ Doing mission work in Hong Kong with Jackie Pullinger✝️ Seeing what brought former triad gang members to faith✝️ Missional challenges and opportunities during his time in Eyam✝️ Serving his curacy in Sheffield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘It was a real outpouring of the Holy Spirit and we didn’t really know what we were experiencing at that time’Revd Sara Goodman joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Sara discusses:✝️ Growing up with Methodist and Anglican services✝️ Teaching in Tanzania and living in Ethiopia✝️ Answering the call to ordination after years of discernment✝️ The love and support she received when she had cancer✝️ Feeling rooted in Sheffield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Baker, Young Leaders’ Community Enabler, is on the podcast today.Rachel talks about:✝️ Growing up in Bristol ✝️ Helping to release young people into leadership roles in the church✝️ How God called her to Rotherham✝️ Worshipping at St Francis Bramley✝️ The church leaders who inspired her Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore Part 2 of our 2025 Words of Grace Christmas Special, as Ben is joined by his wife, and guest co-host, Revd Debbie Coyne-Fearn as they journey through Christmas Live with Christ Church Stannington.Hear Ben and Debbie talk about:✝️ How Christmas Live has been going for over 30 years✝️ Their chats with Revd Alison Cook - one of the main organisers✝️ How it draws hundreds of people every year✝️ The cast performing between different locations in one night✝️ Meeting Jo Jo the donkey➡️ sheffdio.org/podcastThis episode is composed of edited highlights of Christmas Live, and not the full evening.Don't forget to catch Part 1 of our 2025 Christmas Special at All Saints Totley! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul is joined by special guest host Becca as they visit the All Saints Totley Christmas Experience!Paul and Becca talk through with Vicar Ben Tanner what the experience entails, what they think to it and why you should come along next year.Join us next week for Part 2 of our Christmas Special, as we visit Christmas Live at Christ Church Stannington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘I remember putting my hands up and I felt such an overwhelming presence - I can’t describe it’.Toby Butler, Church Planting Support Lead for Faith in the North, is on the podcast today.Toby shares stories on:✝️ His background in church planting✝️ Church leadership challenges✝️ Faith in the North and working across the Northern Province✝️ Being called to mission work within the UK✝️ How his new church family has been a place of healing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rt Revd Leah Vasey-Saunders, Bishop of Doncaster, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.Bishop Leah talks about:✝️ Growing up in a working-class family✝️ Coming to faith at the age of 18✝️ Her experiences of different theological traditions when training for ordination✝️ Her passion for choral music✝️ What drew her to the Diocese of Sheffield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘When I first heard about Jesus, it all made perfect sense’.Julie Sandoval, Lay Reader at Tankersley, Thurgoland and Wortley, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Julie discusses:✝️ Coming to faith as a teenager✝️ Why church didn’t initially appeal to her✝️ How she met her now husband Ricardo on a mission trip in Mexico✝️ Loving the training process for lay ministry✝️ Being licensed at the Celebration of Lay Ministries service in September Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Canon Justin Dodd, Canon Missioner at Sheffield Cathedral, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.Justin talks about:✝️ His upbringing in Johannesburg✝️ How the fight against apartheid informed his faith and ministry✝️ His previous work in advertising and copywriting✝️ His passion for mission✝️ His calling to Cathedral ministry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Renshaw, CEO of The Archer Project, and the Dean of Sheffield Cathedral, the Very Revd Abi Thompson, join Ben and Paul for a Camino Pilgrimage Special.Abi and Tim discuss:✝️ Why you should take part✝️ Abi’s previous experiences on the Camino✝️ Helping The Archer Project’s outreach work✝️ Walking 20km a day✝️ Encountering God through people from all walks of life on the pilgrimageSheffield Cathedral, The Archer Project, and The Choir with No Name are coming together as Team Sheffield, raising vital funds for the work they do supporting people experiencing homelessness.The deadline for booking onto the Camino Pilgrimage is the 28 November, and it will take place from the 14-20 March.Sign up here: https://www.sheffieldcathedral.org/whats-on/2026/camino/fundraising/sheffieldcathedral Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Siân Checkley, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, and Claire Sayce, Safeguarding Training Officer, join Paul and Ben for a special Safeguarding episode.Siân and Claire talk about:✝️ Their roles in the Diocese✝️ How they came to faith✝️ Improvements made to safeguarding✝️ Why it’s important to affirm the work of safeguarding officers✝️ The upcoming Safeguarding Sunday (16 November) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Tom Finnemore, Rector and Oversight Minister at St Thomas Crookes, joins Ben and Paul on the podcast today.Tom talks about:✝️ His working-class background and how it’s shaped him✝️ Being given bad advice at school✝️ How faith has transformed him✝️ The importance of being authentic and speaking directly✝️ Moving to Sheffield three times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lizzie Ilsley, Assistant Curate at Rotherham Minster, is on the podcast today. Lizzie talks about: ✝️ Growing up in a mixed Catholic and Anglican household✝️ Working as a Speech and Language Therapist for 20 years✝️ Her experience of living with depression as a person of faith✝️ Rotherham Minster’s welcome to the community✝️ How a silent retreat helped to guide her path to ordination Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Jesus provides this hope. I realised there’s more to life than getting a degree, getting a job, getting married – I found that in the person of Jesus’.Revd Jon Hidden, Oversight Minister and Priest in Charge of St Chad’s Woodseats and St Paul’s Norton Lees, is on the podcast today.Jon discusses:✝️ His family coming to faith at the same time✝️ Working in banking after studying marine biology✝️ When he first asked someone to pray for him✝️ The warm welcome at Anston, Woodseats and Norton Lees✝️ The three methods for making tea in Yorkshire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Vicky Camber, Priest in Charge at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Todwick, is today’s Words of Grace guest.Vicky talks about:✝️ Her faith evolving in her late twenties✝️ The importance of conversations about Jesus✝️ How she feels rooted here in the Diocese✝️ Encouraging others in their faith✝️ The communities in Laughton, Todwick and Ulley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘The fundamental reality of Christ is that he is there reaching out to us.’ John Davis, former Ministry Experience Scheme student in Sheffield, joins Paul and Ben via Zoom from his New Mexico home. John talks about: ✝️ Generations of his family working on a ranch✝️ Swapping the American West for Sheffield✝️ What attracted him to the UK✝️ His hopes for ordination✝️ His placement at All Saints Ecclesall and the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Every step I’ve taken, God has been incredibly faithful. I love doing all the work I’m doing and being able to speak about God all day.’Revd Rachel Crossley, Curate at St Chad’s Woodseats and St Paul’s Norton Lees, is today’s guest on the podcast.Rachel talks about:✝️ Growing up in a Methodist household✝️ Spending her childhood telling people she’d never become a minister✝️ Receiving her calling to ordination during bereavement✝️ Finding new ways to connect with God – particularly outdoors✝️ Metal Methodist services and what they entail Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Ray, author and former mountaineer and teacher, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.John talks about:✝️ Watching the Battle of Britain as a 12-year-old from a Surrey field✝️ Working at Gordonstoun School✝️ Being inspired by Lesslie Newbigin✝️ Working in Pakistan for 25 years✝️ Moving to Hook in his eighties for a new challenge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Canon Karen Cribb, Associate Vicar at St Mary’s Bramall Lane, is on the podcast today.Karen discusses:✝️ Growing up in North London✝️ Being part of a brethren church background in her youth✝️ Her passion for social activism ✝️ The diversity of the congregation at St Mary’s✝️ Busting Self-Supporting Ministry myths Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘It was my faith that saved me, and believing that God can – and will – restore.’Faye Smith, pilgrim guide, speaker and writer, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Faye talks about:✝️ Leading walking pilgrimages in Derbyshire✝️ Losing her husband and daughter in the space of two years✝️ Doing a 700km solo trek across two countries following a bad car accident✝️ Finding fellowship with others to boost mental health – including former Diocese of Sheffield Vicar Fiona Kouble✝️ The importance of not suppressing grief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘A tangible voice which I can only describe as the Holy Spirit said quite clearly, “I will never leave you. I will hold your hand and will take you where you need to go”’. Revd Carol Rashid, Curate at St John’s Goole, is on the podcast today.Carol talks about:✝️ Coming to faith around the St Lawrence Hatfield church environment✝️ Leaving an abusive relationship and finding God through difficult times✝️ Her deep-rooted calling to serve others✝️ How she felt presiding over her first communion✝️ Her spiritual moment climbing to the top of Mount Sinai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘I got the confidence to talk about my faith after I came to the UK.’Shumaya Stephen, member of the St James Doncaster congregation and Diocesan Synod, is on the podcast today.Shumaya talks about:✝️ Growing up in Lahore✝️ The challenges she faced as part of a minority Christian group✝️ Growing more confident in her faith✝️ The importance of worshipping in Urdu at St James✝️ The biggest cultural differences between Pakistan and England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘I had this overwhelming moment where I felt Jesus was stood next to me, calling me to ministry’. Mussarat Iqbal, Churchwarden at St James Doncaster, is on the podcast today.Mussarat discusses:✝️ Growing up as a Christian in Pakistan✝️ The difficulties Christians face worshipping in Lahore✝️ Taking a pay cut to follow a calling to England✝️ The Doncaster Urdu congregation✝️ Her near-30 year calling to ordained ministry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘My relationship with the Lord has grown through music and through taking little steps outside of my comfort zone. I’m trying to lead worship in other areas, and I’ve seen God’s faithfulness there’. Estella Kirk, Christian songwriter in Nashville, joins Paul and Ben for a special international episode of Words of Grace.Estella talks about:✝️ Moving from her home state of Oklahoma to Nashville in Tennessee ✝️ Her love of music in a non-musical family✝️ Leading worship from a young age✝️ Express her faith through music✝️ Being a US listener to Words of Grace! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘That’s when I was first presented with the idea of the Holy Spirit being tangibly present and accessible, and the fact that Jesus calls people to follow him – and that was a decision I needed to make for myself’. Revd Eddie Short, Curate at The Rivers Team, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Eddie reflects on:✝️ When his faith was reignited in his 20s✝️ The importance of balancing faith, family and work✝️ Misconceptions about self-supporting ministry✝️ Positive signs of church growth in The Rivers Team✝️ Being a DJ in his youth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘During a difficult period, a friend of mine asked me, “do you think you’re trying to fill God-shaped holes in your life with things that aren’t God?” An enormous sense of longing filled me, and I felt a calling’. Revd Sami Ellmore, Priest-in-Charge of St Mary’s Rawmarsh and St Mary’s Greasbrough, is on the podcast today.Sami talks about:✝️ Growing up in North Wales and attending an Anglo-Catholic church✝️ Fellowship at St John’s Park in Sheffield during their time as a student✝️ Leading a music worship group for the first time✝️ Discernment on an inclusive journey during ministry✝️ Which Doctor Who is the best Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Chris Herbert and Revd Christine Herbert are both guests on today’s Words of Grace episode.They talk to Ben and Paul about:✝️ Christine growing up in a Christian household and Chris not doing so✝️ Chris overcoming barriers with dyslexia ✝️ Christine’s work for people with learning disabilities✝️ Music helping to bring Chris to faith✝️ Both serving as ordained ministers✝️ Where they see hope in the church✝️ Interviewing Bono! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revd Alison Cook, Associate Minister at Christ Church Stannington, joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today.Alison discusses:✝️ When she came to understand God’s love✝️ Being a secondary school teacher in Jamaica and surviving a hurricane✝️ Overcoming difficulties with undiagnosed dyslexia✝️ Proving the doubters wrong on her journey to ordination✝️ Christmas Live in Stannington Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The Church at its best isn’t a place that ignores pain, because Jesus didn’t ignore pain. It’s a place that facilitates the transformation of pain, because Jesus on the cross turned our mourning into dancing and our pain into joy". Fr David D’Silva SSC is today’s guest on Words of Grace, talking about: ✝️ Being Priest-in-Charge of St Leonard's Scawsby with St Luke's Scawthorpe; St Philip and St James New Bentley with All Saints Arksey✝️ The moment he knew he wanted to be a priest✝️ The communities he serves in Doncaster✝️ Serving in his home diocese✝️ The Bible passage that brings him to tears Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the Lord's Prayer mean to you?  In June we showed a video of testimonies from voices across the Diocese, sharing what the Lord's Prayer means to them: ·       Revd Chrissy Moorey, Lights for Christ Enabler·       Mussarat Iqbal, member of the Doncaster Urdu congregation·       Charlene Satumba, member of The Rivers Team congregation·       Revd Dr Bill Goodman, Director of Ongoing Ministerial Development·       Revd Justine Smith, Associate Vicar at Rotherham Minster·       Laura Passo, Centenary Project Worker at Heeley Parish ChurchIn this minisode we’re featuring the testimonies in this extended version of the video, featuring additional reflections.You can also watch the video here: sheffdio.org/LordsPrayer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Every child should be welcomed in church – it’s such a blessing to have them there."Tara Osborne, Children Youth and Families’ Worker & Focal Minister at St Columba and Stephen Hill Methodist, is on the podcast today.Tara talks about:✝️ Encouraging young people✝️ How a good welcome at the first church she went to led to her journey of faith✝️ The Bible verse that inspires her✝️ A Crosspool initiative during Covid to help others✝️ A previous job working for Toni & Guy!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.