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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 17/07/2026

⛪ 'Every church a pilgrim place?' 'Are there ways that we can pick up on this opportunity? This might simply mean intentionally opening our churches as places of pilgrimage for curious visitors'. sheffdio.org/NetworkSu2026

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 09/05/2026

Archbishop Stephen has joined us for a prayer litter pick with the Doncaster Youth Hub, followed by a walking pilgrimage and evening worship at @sheffieldcathedral.bsky.social with the Centenary Project.

The pilgrims standing with a view over Sheffield

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 09/05/2026

Our Bright Lights event, a brand new Children’s Day, for church based children’s groups, is underway at Liberty Church in Rotherham. #LightsforChrist

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 30/04/2026

Bishop Pete and Cathy invite you to a Garden Party: 📆 Saturday 13 June 🕑 2-5pm 🏡 Bishopscroft Entry is free, with the event in support of The Archer Project, ASSIST and Refurnish Doncaster.

Bishop Pete and Cathy invite you to a Garden Party in support of three local charities: The Archer Project, ASSIST, and Definitive Doncaster

13 JUNE
2–5pm
Bishopscroft,
Snail Hill, Lancs
S10 3LG

Join us for free entry, craft stalls,
delicious refreshments, live music,
family fun, plus a raffle with prizes,
a silent auction and more!

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 29/04/2026

These 10 days offer a wonderful opportunity to go deeper in prayer, particularly in praying for our communities & for those around us to have a life-transforming encounter with the Risen Christ. www.sheffield.anglican.org/support/for-churches/worship-prayer/thy-kingdom-come-events/

Thy Kingdom Come

God with us

14th-24th May 2026

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 28/04/2026

Revd Dr Simon Cross, guest speaker at this year’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture, is a guest on Words of Grace today. ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 27/04/2026

In recognition of the incredible work done by Parish Safeguarding Officers, we warmly invite all PSOs to our 2026 PSO Celebration Day. 📆 Saturday 6 June 🕤 9.30am 🏟️ Rotherham United Football Club, New York Stadium For booking information ➡️ deborah.corker-vaughan@sheffield.anglican.org

Bishop Pete with PSOs at last year's PSO Day

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 23/04/2026

Happy St George's Day! The Church of England's Faith and Public Life team have produced a resource for supporting parishes and colleagues with any challenges, learning and discussion opportunities around St George's Day this year. www.churchofengland.org/resources/pr...

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 15/04/2026

'One of the most significant encouragements has been that, for the first time in a significant number of years, in 2024 more of our churches were holding steady or growing than in decline.' Alex Shilkoff gives an update on Phase 1 of our strategy 👇 sheffdio.org/NetworkSp26

Breathe Deep 2026 at Sheffield Cathedral

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 15/04/2026

In recognition of the incredible work done by Parish Safeguarding Officers, we warmly invite all PSOs to our 2026 PSO Celebration Day. 📆 Saturday 6 June 🕤 9.30am 🏟️ Rotherham United Football Club, New York Stadium www.sheffield.anglican.org/event/parish-safeguarding-officer-celebration-day-2/

Bishop Pete with PSOs at last year's PSO Day in Sheffield

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 08/04/2026

'We’re looking forward to taking part again this year, and are excited by all that God will do in and through Church Explorers Week across the Diocese.' St Paul’s Wordsworth Avenue had a great Church Explorers Week in 2025 – and are looking ahead to this year’s campaign 👇 sheffdio.org/NetworkSp26

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 07/04/2026

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. ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 05/04/2026

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! #EasterSunday

St Leonard's Thrybergh in the sunshine, taken by Chris Ellis

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 03/04/2026

'Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”' (Mark 15: 37-39). #GoodFriday

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 01/04/2026

“God is the author of all creation. We've a duty to future generations, and the key test is this – is this tool used in this particular way augmenting or undermining my point in being here? A look back at the Bishop's Annual Lecture talk on AI by Revd Dr Simon Cross 👇 sheffdio.org/NetworkSp26

Simon speaking at the Bishop's Annual Lecture

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 31/03/2026

Emma Johnson, CP Worker at St John's Goole, is 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 ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 30/03/2026

On Saturday a group of pilgrims took part in the Arise Rotherham walk from Wales to Roche Abbey, taking in: ✝️ Wales: St John the Baptist ✝️ Todwick: St Peter & St Paul ✝️ South Anston: Methodist Church ✝️ Dinnington: St Leonard ✝️ Roche Abbey

The group walking into St Leonard's Dinnington

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 27/03/2026

There are just a few days left of Arise Rotherham, a chance to prayerwalk the entire borough. The latest progress is: • 174 registered on the app • 72% of the map has turned red or gold • Over 3,000km of prayerwalking Read more about Arise Rotherham in Network 👇 sheffdio.org/NetworkSp26

The Arise Rotherham launch at the start of March

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 26/03/2026

'Imagine Sheffield Cathedral filled with hundreds of young people leading & learning from each other, praising God together & having loads of fun - that’s a little snapshot of Breathe Deep!' Young Leaders’ Community Enabler Rachel Baker shares testimonies from Breathe Deep sheffdio.org/NetworkSp26

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 24/03/2026

🏵️Our Spring Network magazine is here! 🙌 Young people leading worship at Breathe Deep 📈 Major progress in our Renewed, Released, Rejuvenated strategy 🚶‍♂️ The 192‑mile walk to save St John’s Ranmoor's spire 🙏 Arise Rotherham 2026 🌱 Churches making big strides towards Net Zero sheffdio.org/NetworkSp26

A magazine cover titled network (Issue 27 / Spring 2026). The photograph shows the exterior of a historic stone church on a bright sunny day, with a tall spire rising into a clear blue sky. The church is surrounded by green grass and yellow daffodils in bloom along a stone path. Trees with bare branches stand behind the church. Text on the cover reads: “Young People Leading Worship • Wear Your Faith Fortnight,” followed by feature titles: “Lent 2026,” “Church Explorers Week,” and “Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God.”

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 24/03/2026

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. ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 20/03/2026

'The severe flooding we have experienced again this winter makes it clear increasingly urgent further action is needed to protect homes, businesses & communities'. @bishoppete.bsky.social asked a question in the House of Lords yesterday about technological assistance to detect and prevent flooding.

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 08/03/2026

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 ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

Charlene, Megan, Debbie and Helen recoding the podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 07/03/2026

The 11th Joined Up Conference is underway at Victoria Hall in Sheffield

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 06/03/2026

The three Lent lectures scheduled this month in the Diocese have been cancelled. A message from The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield: 'I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that I must cancel the three devotional Lent Lectures I'd planned which had been due to take place as follows:

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 03/03/2026

‘The pressing question is whether, when and why to use AI. We need to understand the ambitions of those shaping the race for ever more powerful AI. ‘The implications of AI depend on the point of being human. We all have a stake in what happens next’.

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 03/03/2026

Rev Dr Simon Cross is the guest speaker for today’s Bishop’s Annual Lecture, speaking on ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Purposes of God’.

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 26/02/2026

Bishop Pete will be delivering lectures based on Genesis 22 – 'The sacrifice of Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus'. The lecture will be delivered three times over Lent: Wednesday 11 March – Sheffield Cathedral Thursday 12 March – Rotherham Minster Monday 23 March – Doncaster Minster

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 24/02/2026

‘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. ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 18/02/2026

Faithful one, your word is sure and never fails. Help us to endure patiently the trials and tribulations of this life in sure and certain hope of being with you for ever. Amen. #AshWednesday #Lent

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 08/02/2026

Today is Racial Justice Sunday and this year's theme, ‘Love Your Neighbour’, gives opportunity to explore what it really means to love our neighbour. #RacialJusticeSunday

Christians as
Confident Anti-Racists
With such a breadth of communities in The Diocese of Sheffield, people in South Yorkshire and the East Riding are more aware than many of the impact of discrimination, poverty and legacies of oppression. So, in a place proud of its record in standing up against injustices, we seek to empower Christians to have the confidence to sow seeds of Christ Jesus's radical love bringing gospel unity where loud voices have sought fear and division.
Gospel Imperative
Corinthians 12: 25-27
Revelation 7:9
...there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
After this / looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
RACIAL.JUSTICE@SHEFFIELD.ANGLICAN.ORG

We're all learning together, so here are some terms that you might find it helpful to know more about:
Racial justice is fair and equal treatment of everyone regardless of ethnicity or race.
Race is a social construct based on physical traits, created to enforce power. Though not biological, it shapes lives and identities.
Ethnicity is shared cultural heritage, including ancestry, language, religion, and traditions. UK Minority/Minoritised Ethnic (UKME) is preferred over BAME to better reflect UK diversity. Global Majority Heritage (GH) highlights that these cultures represent most of the world, though they're minorities in the UK.
Racism is any discrimination based on race or ethnicity, including abuse, exclusion, or unequal systems. Microaggressions are everyday actions or comments that subtly demean people.
Anti-Racist means actively challenging racism by supporting those affected, listening, and speaking out against discrimination and microaggressions.
Because God loves every person in His beautifully diverse human family, we celebrate each other's unique gifts to help oulld stronger, more vibrant communities where people find connection and enjoy learning from one another.
We'd love to talk to you about the community you serve and where this work might support people to understand why this issue is relevant to them.
CONTACT:
racial.justice@sheffield.anglican.org
01709309100 or 07856 914564

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 03/02/2026

‘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. ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 03/02/2026

This year’s Lent Lecture will be based on Genesis 22 – ’The sacrifice of Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus’. Refreshments will be available from 6.30pm-7.00pm.

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 30/01/2026

Praying tomorrow for another exciting and spirit-filled Breathe Deep at Sheffield Cathedral. #LightsforChrist

People singing and worshipping at last year's Breathe Deep in Sheffield Cathedral

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 29/01/2026

Next week is Racial Justice Sunday (8 February), and this year's theme ‘Love Your Neighbour’ gives opportunity to explore what it really means to love our neighbour. A range of resources can be found here: www.sheffield.anglican.org/racial-justice-sunday/

Key Terms

We’re all learning together, so here are some terms that you might find it helpful to know more about:

Racial justice
Fair and equal treatment of everyone regardless of ethnicity or race.

Race
A social construct based on physical traits, created to enforce power. Though not biological, it shapes lives and identities.

Ethnicity
Shared cultural heritage, including ancestry, language, religion, and traditions.
UK Minority/Minoritised Ethnic (UKME) is preferred over BAME to better reflect UK diversity.
Global Majority Heritage (GMH) highlights that these cultures represent most of the world, though they are minorities in the UK.

Racism
Any discrimination based on race or ethnicity, including abuse, exclusion, or unequal systems.
Microaggressions are everyday actions or comments that subtly demean people.

Anti-Racist
Actively challenging racism by supporting those affected, listening, and speaking out against discrimination and microaggressions.

Because God loves every person in His beautifully diverse human family, we celebrate each other’s unique gifts to help build stronger, more vibrant communities where people find connection and enjoy learning from one another.

We’d love to talk to you about the community you serve and where this work might support people to understand why this issue is relevant to them.

Contact

Email: racial.justice@sheffield.anglican.org

Phone: 01709 309100 or 07856 914564
Website: sheffdio.org/racial-justice

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 28/01/2026

The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent. This year’s resources have at their heart the theme of a ‘rhythm of life’ - habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day.

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 16/01/2026

'From a simple prayer asking for God’s guidance, we are now blessed with a lively and enthusiastic choir of over 40 members'. Read more about the new choir at St Nicholas’ Parish Church, Thorne in our Christmas roundup article 👇 www.sheffield.anglican.org/christmas-roundup-in-the-diocese/

The St Nicholas choir at a Christmas concert

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 13/01/2026

Revd Sara Goodman joins Paul and Ben on the podcast today. Sara discusses: ✝️ 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 ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 08/01/2026

✝️Sunday 8 February is Racial Justice Sunday This year the theme ‘Love Your Neighbour’ gives opportunity to explore what it really means to love our neighbour. www.sheffield.anglican.org/racial-justice-sunday/

Love Your Neighbour

Racial Justice Sunday 08.02.26

Graphic by Churches Together

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 06/01/2026

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 ✝️ The church leaders who inspired her ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 27/12/2025

🎙️Catch up on our Words of Grace Christmas Specials: 2023 - Ben & Paul gather colleagues & friends at Diocesan Church House 2024 - Roundtable discussion with Revd Canon Toby Hole, Revd Amy Hole & Revd Dr Daniel McGinnis 2025 - All Saints Totley Christmas Experience ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 26/12/2025

✝️ A prayer on Boxing Day Holy Jesus, by being born one of us, and lying humbly in a manger, you show how much God loves the world. Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, until we reach our home in heaven, and see you on your throne of glory. Amen.

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 25/12/2025

‘I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’ (Luke 2:10). Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from the Diocese of Sheffield! #LightsforChrist #Christmas

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 16/12/2025

‘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. ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

From left to right: Ben Coyne-Fearn, Toby Butler and Paul Sheridan

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 12/12/2025

'Being moved by the Holy Spirit to respond warmly to this possible lay ministry didn’t just come out of the blue.' Rachel Edmonds, Focal Minister for St Hugh’s New Cantley and Racial Justice Admin and Research Officer, shares her calling to Focal Ministry 👇 sheffdio.org/W25

From left to right: Fr Stephen Edmonds, Michael McGonnell, Fr Andrew Howard, Rachel Edmonds and Beth Burras

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 09/12/2025

@leahvs.bsky.social, 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 ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

Bishop Leah

Photo credit: Maria Ellmore

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 08/12/2025

Congratulations to all the candidates who were confirmed at All Saints Woodlands on Saturday! #LightsforChrist #confirmations

A group photo of Bishop Leah with members from All Saints and the candidates for confirmation

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 03/12/2025

On Saturday 8 November over 150 people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities gathered in Rotherham Minster to celebrate the fifth birthday of the Social Supermarket at Rotherham Minster. Read more in Network: sheffdio.org/W25 📷 Patrick Byrne

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 02/12/2025

❄️The Winter edition of our Network magazine is out today! Read stories on: 🎄 Sheffield Cathedral at Christmas 🛒 Rotherham Minster Social Supermarket's 5th birthday 🙌 New Centenary Project support 🪴 Gathering in Lament and Hope ❤️ Disability Project Parish Grants Scheme 👉 sheffdio.org/W25

A calling to Focal Ministry | Disability Projects Grants

Network issue 31/Winter 2025

Wild Away Day

Gathering in Lament and Hope

New Partnership with University of Sheffield

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Diocese of Sheffield @sheffdio.org · 02/12/2025

‘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. ➡️ sheffdio.org/podcast

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