With thanks to Jennie Starkey

Our developing ministry is founded on the faithful support of many people like Jennie Starkey.

A regular worshipper at Holy Trinity, Millhouses, Jennie responded to an appeal to support Whirlow Spirituality Centre and was a regular giver for a number of years. She attended the opening and dedication service in 2009, where she met Archbishops Rowan Williams and John Sentamu. She was 96 when she died.

Angie Lauener, Diocesan Spirituality Advisor, assistant priest at Millhouses and part of the Whirlow community, has placed a stone on the Whirlow cairn in Jennie’s memory. She heard about her death while on a beach, picked up a stone as she reflected on and gave thanks for Jennie’s life, and has placed it on our cairn. It is now a lasting symbol of the way Jennie - and so many others - have acted as rocks that supported this place.

Retreat Association Icon at Whirlow in July

Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the Well is depicted in the Retreat Association Icon, visiting Whirlow from July 17th to August 4th this year.

Visitors will have opportunity to spend time with the icon and obtain resources associated with it if they wish.

A day on the use of icons in prayer led by Chris Ellis will take place on July 22nd, while the icon is in situ. Other events in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit will also use it as a focus.

By John Coleman, or IkonJohn, the icon’s subject is taken from John’s gospel, chapter 4. This scene was chosen by the Association for its universal appeal and its themes associated with retreat and spiritual direction.

Administration and Operations Co-ordinator needed

The work and ministry of Whirlow continues to develop to such an extent we are looking for the right person to join our team to co-ordinate the efficient administration and operations of the Centre.

Whilst the centre operates it’s day to day work under the board of Whirlow Grange Ltd, its partner All Saints, Ecclesall continues to offer support with the employment and payroll element of it’s work. Therefore, although , you will be based and managed at Whirlow Spirituality Centre, under the direction of the organsation’s friendly and supportive Chaplain, Joy Adams, you will be employed by Ecclesall PCC

The role is part time, for 15 hours a week, to be worked over 3 or 4 days including Mondays The role is paid £14 per hour

If you have any questions about the post, please call our Chaplain, Joy Adams on 07986456838 or All Saints Operations Manager, Rachel McLafferty on 0114 2687574. The recruitment documents are available to download below, and can be returned by email or by post. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 8th February 2019.

Cover letter

Administration and Operations Co-ordinator Job Description and Person Specification

Administration and Operations Co-ordinator Terms and Conditions

Application Form

Update! The 60th Anniversary Project

Contractors have now met to agree a programme of works for Whirlow Spirituality Centre, which should start on January 8th and be completed by Easter - earlier than anticipated.

Since our last post , which details the work that will be done, we have heard that refurbishment of the chapel and rearrangement of the kitchen / toilet area will be done simultaneously and that there will be no need for a full closure.  

It had been expected that the work would be carried out in two stages: the Chapel before Easter and toilets and kitchen afterwards. A short closure during the second stage was anticipated. 

But contractors can ensure the Centre has a toilet and running water throughout and is accessible for all weekend and evening events. They also aim to have the project complete in time for Easter.

There will be disruption and inconvenience during weekdays, so some changes have been made to our programme:

• Simple Quiet Days in January and February have been cancelled
• Ash Wednesday Quiet Day has been cancelled
• Song of Songs Live has been postponed, new date tbc
• Tuesday Reflective Communion services will be relocated during January and February, venue tbc
• The library will not be accessible during some of this time.

We plan to run everything else as advertised. Please keep an eye on the website, Facebook page and Spirituality Centre emails for further details. 

There will be no specific fundraising for this project. It will be funded by the centre’s operating partners, Whirlow Grange Ltd and All Saints Ecclesall, from existing resources. However, the partners would be delighted if anyone wishes to make a contribution towards the costs of this ongoing development.

Payment details are given on the previous post.

Please contact us for any further details.

The 60th Anniversary Project

Improvements to Whirlow Spirituality Centre will start in January and be completed in time for its 60th Anniversary in September 2018.

The Chapel of the Holy Spirit was consecrated in June 1958. During the first half of next year, recommendations for upgrading its facilities - made by inspectors in 2014 - will be addressed. 

Works will support the development and growth of the Spirituality Centre’s ministry. Plans include a second toilet, refurbished kitchen, new Chapel windows, improved AV, internet and exhibition capabilities as well as storage that better suits the character and life of the centre.

Chaplain Joy Adams said: “We are excited to see what God has for us in the future - these changes to our building will be an important step on the journey.”

It is expected that the refurbishment will be carried out in two stages. Work on the Chapel will be done before Easter and the rearrangement of toilets and kitchen afterwards. There will be disruption to the Centre’s activity during the first stage and a short closure during the second. 

A December meeting with all contractors will indicate whether alternative venues or postponements are necessary for any Whirlow events. These will be advertised as necessary. Please keep an eye on the website, Facebook page and Spirituality Centre emails for details. 

There will be no specific fundraising for this project. It will be funded by the centre’s operating partners, Whirlow Grange Ltd and All Saints Ecclesall, from existing resources. However, the partners would be delighted if anyone wishes to make a contribution towards the costs of this ongoing development.

Payment details are given below.

Please contact us for any further details.

---

Please reference all donations ‘60th Anniversary Project – YOUR SURNAME’. 

Payments by BACS should go into the following account:
Name - Whirlow Grange Limited
Sort code - 05-08-53
Account number – 20255748

Cheques should be made payable to Whirlow Grange Limited.

Please Gift Aid your donation if you are a taxpayer. The relevant form can be found here.

Please return cheques and paperwork to:

Manager
Whirlow Grange Ltd
60th Anniversary Project
c/o Whirlow Spirituality Centre
Whirlow Grange Drive
Sheffield
S11 9RX

Community Bible Study starting soon!

Friday September 15 will be the first Community Bible Study at Whirlow Spirituality Centre.

CBS aims to provide participants with an opportunity to engage in in-depth, life-changing study of the bible. It is non-denominational, community-based and inclusive to all. See the website for more details

Sessions here will run weekly from 0945 to 1130, with refreshments to begin.

Please email Ali Woodman if you're interested in attending, or phone her on 07985 931289.

Praying with Asylum Seekers

We were delighted and moved on Thursday to hear stories from Rodrigo Edema and Pride Mbi, representing City of Sanctuary Sheffield.

Part of our Praying With... series, the event gave us opportunity to hear personal stories from and ask questions of those with experience of seeking refuge.

Anna Potts appointed as Events Co-ordinator

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Anna Potts as our Events Co-ordinator from Monday June 5th. Anna comes with much experience in events management. Anna writes:

"Hi! I'm Anna.

I live with my family in north Sheffield. I've been a stay-at-home mum of twins for the last few years with a background working in local journalism, events management and community development. This work has often been done with churches and Christian organisations. 

I'm very interested in Christian spirituality and was delighted to see this role advertised. It will be great to join you all!

In other news, I play the 'cello and write a blog .... as often as the toddlers and my penchant for relaxation allow!"

Welcome, Anna, we look forward to getting to know you and working with you.

Holy Week Reflection 5 - Waiting and Grieving

Luke 23: 55-56

As the body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw it carried to the tomb. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to embalm him; but by the time they were finished it was the Sabbath, so they rested all that day as required by the Jewish law.  (The Living Bible)

Lord, where are you now?

 So there it is, the ugly shape of beautiful wood, rough hewn by human hands.

LORD, WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

 And there it is, a tight-shut tomb, a borrowed grave, sealed with stone and silence.

LORD, WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

And there it is, your broken body, shrouded in linen, clothed in darkness.

LORD, WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

And somewhere stand your people, crying though tired of crying, their eyes sore and bloodshot, they will not sleep tonight.

LORD, WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

 And out in the streets, the children have stopped their playing, the sound of music has gone sour, even the unlikely folk fidget and wonder.

LORD, WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

 And here we are, saying, ‘If only,’    murmuring, ‘Surely not,’    counting the cost for once of our carelessness and our lovelessness and our sin.

 Trying so vainly to gain all, we’ve bartered you away in the transaction. We have lost the one who found us.

 With the Peters and Marys of all time we wait, for only you can tell whether we are worth rising for.          Amen

1998 WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow, G51 3UU, Scotland

Holy Week Reflection 4 - The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus is condemned to death

Pilate asked what crime Jesus has committed. It was a good question. Jesus had annoyed the religious leaders, of that there was no doubt. He had been critical of social and religious structures. He had healed the villagers;he had told stories to the crowds; he had probably been a threat to public law and order; but was that enough to condemn him, to end his life?

But he would not defend himself – the story teller was silent now and the crowds was noisy and Pilate handed him over to be crucified.           

Jesus is nailed on the cross

We look on from a distance: a distance of time and space and culture, a distance of a Friday evening in Sheffield in Lent. And for us it hurts to watch Jesus dying, even at a distance. It hurts to know we are being shown a better way. It hurts to know how much we are valued and loved.

For the depth of your love for us, we thank you.

God in your mercy,

HEAR OUR PRAYER

(From Stations of the Cross in Eggs and Ashes. Wild Goose Publications