CHURCHES TOGETHER IN DRONFIELD AND DISTRICT is an organisation of the sixteen Christian Churches in the town and surrounding area. Over a number of years we have worked more closely together in prayer, fellowship, service and witness to the community. We value our different traditions and the richness of our Christian heritage. At the same time we are held together in our common faith in God, whose love for us all is demonstrated more fully in the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.
Working together, the churches are keen to be actively involved in the community and to provide a service to all its people. In part we do this through CHRISTIAN CARE and through our CHRISTIAN NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHEME.
Below you will find a small piece about each church. You will receive a warm welcome at any of the activities that are described and particularly at worship held in each of the churches.
OUR COVENANT signed in December 1989 and reaffirmed in January 2000
- We, the members of:
Apperknowle Methodist Church
Coal Aston Methodist Church
Coal Aston Wesleyan Reform Church
Cowley Mission
Church of the Holy Spirit
Dronfield Baptist Church
Dronfield Parish Church
Dronfield Woodhouse Methodist Church
Hill Top United Reformed Church
Oaks Community Church
St. Andrew's Community Church
St. Mary's United Church, Unstone
St. Paul's Methodist Church
St. Philip's Church, Holmesdale
St. Swithin's Church, Holmesfield
Vine Christian Fellowshipreaffirm our belief that the visible unity of the life and mission of all Christ's people is the will of God, but this does not mean uniformity but legitimate diversity.
- We acknowledge the authority of Scripture and the truth of the Apostles' Creed and in so doing, we affirm our faith in
God as Father who is the Creator, in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and in the Holy Spirit who continues God's work in
the world today.
- We rejoice in our traditions but recognise that our diversity can occasion unnecessary divisions which are a hindrance
to mission. We repent of all that is sinful In our past histories and present attitudes.
- We therefore make this commitment to God and to each other and we covenant to seek that visible unity, even though in
our pilgrimage together we cannot foresee the form it will eventually take.
- We commit ourselves and our churches:
a. to move through co-operation to clear commitment to each other, in search of the unity for which Christ prayed and in common evangelism and service to the world.
b. to engage In joint worship, prayer and study so that we may know and value each other and seek God's will for His people.
c. to work together in pastoral, social and evangelistic outreach into our community.
d. to publicise and promote our Church life and worship by joint means wherever possible.
e. to develop a Ministerial Team for regular prayer, study, consultation and appropriate action.
f. to create 'Churches Together In Dronfield and District' made up of an Assembly of the Ministerial Team and representatives from all participating churches. This Assembly will have power and finance to act on those matters which the individual churches have authorised it to carry out an their behalf.
g. to ensure that all Ministerial appointments, although made by each denomination, are made with such consultation with the Ministerial Team as is reasonably possible, consonant with denominational procedures.
CHRISTIAN CARE
Co-ordinator: Mrs Sheila Hadcocks 01246 418520.
Christian Care is a practical way in which people in need may be helped, particularly in a crisis, or when statutory services are slow or unable to help.
The volunteers are Christians who care for anybody in need, regardless of their creed. Help is given on a short term basis.
We charge for petrol and hospital parking only. Any donations are used to defray essential expenses.
If you need help, contact your Road Steward or Sheila Hadcocks. On receiving a request, one of our organisers will contact you, assess your need, and decide if we can help. If we have no suitable volunteers, a request goes to the churches and usually somebody comes forward to help.Revd. Gill Tutt - 0114 258 5420
The Church of St. Mary's, Unstone, serves the Church of England and Methodist members of the area and is also the village Church for Unstone and Unstone Green. The congregation is small but growing and meets once a week for worship usually at 10.30am. We use both Church of England and Methodist Services, but we have a united prayer book.
There is a monthly Wives Group and a monthly Tuesday afternoon group for everyone. The members play an active part in the Christian Neighbourhood Scheme and the life of the village. On Thursday afternoons, 3.30pm - 4.30pm we run an after school club for 5-11 year olds. St. Mary's Room is available for many community and family occasions.
We hope that everyone from this area will feel at home with us and know that they are welcome.
Contacts: Chris Bishop 01246 273278 or Ros Sadler 01246 291820Vine Christian Fellowship is an independent church that meets in Holmesfield Village Hall. We are a family orientated group committed to the praise and honour of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Our style of worship is informal and inclusive.
Although a fairly small fellowship we have a comprehensive programme catering for all age groups with crèche facilities always available. Our activities include: Sunday worship at 10.30am; a toddler group, run in conjunction with St Swithin's Church (Holmesfield), which meets at 10am on Tuesday mornings during term time; a Bible study group meeting on Tuesday at 7-45pm, and Cedars on Thursday afternoons at 2pm, where there is good company and various activities are enjoyed by all. We also run Christianity Explored courses – an opportunity to find our more about the Christian faith.
You will receive a very warm welcome at any of our meetings and we look forward to meeting you soon!
DRONFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH Stubley Lane
Minister: Tony Marron Tel.01246 412289
Dronfield Baptist Church is a growing church that has an active congregation of people of all ages drawn from the whole town and district. The Sunday Services combine the traditional and the modern as we worship God as a family.
Our weekday activities seek to meet the needs of all the generations from babies to grandparents. The Parent/Carer & under 5's meet Mondays and Fridays, pre-school Nursery on three mornings and the whole range of uniformed organisations for girls and boys, excellently run by dedicated leaders. We have ladies groups on Monday afternoon and evening, when visits, talks and walks are arranged. Home fellowship Groups, daytime and evening, Youth Club on Tuesdays and a Canoe club where you can learn to canoe under the guidance of qualified instructors.
The church also seeks to serve a wider community in various ways showing God's love in action to the people of Dronfield. We have facilities for the disabled and the hard of hearing.
We welcome anyone with questions about our beliefs and faith in Jesus Christ and we are here to serve in anyway we can through the Churches Together in Dronfield and District.
All are welcome to join us at 10.30am and 6.30pm every Sunday.THE HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, Stonelow Road.
Father Martin Williams - 01246 413094.
The Holy Spirit Church is the only Roman Catholic Church covering the whole of Dronfield and District. This year we have celebrated 30 years since the opening of the present church, although there has been a Catholic presence in Dronfield since 1951.
There are three masses each weekend - Saturday at 7.00pm and Sunday at 8.30am and 11.00am. There is also mass each day during the week. We have a special Liturgy of the Word for our younger children at the 11am Mass which involves parents, catechists and others. At all masses there is extensive involvement of lay ministries.
Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament takes place every Tuesday from 2.00 - 7.00pm. Entry is by the car park door - An ideal time, long or short, for private prayer or thoughts in peaceful silence. Our children mainly go to either St Thomas of Canterbury at Meadowhead or St. Mary's Primary School in Chesterfield. Nearly all then transferring to St. Mary's High School in Chesterfield. Close working relationships exist with all three schools and our parish.
Our Church hosts 'Open House' each Wednesday from 10.30am to 12 noon. A great way to meet old friends and make new ones over a cup of coffee.
With our church being dual purpose it allows us to make full use of the space for a wide range of social and fund-raising activities.
Rector Revd. Barrie Green 01246 411531
Assistant Priest Revd Dick Dove 01246 412502
The Parish Church dates from the 12th century and is at the centre of our town. For hundreds of years it was the only place of worship in our community. We rejoice that the building is open all day and is there to be used by both individuals and groups and to serve as a visual reminder of the presence of God in our community.
Our worship on Sunday provides both traditional and informal forms of worship. At Parish Communion our choir of 30 men, women, boys and girls, leads the singing. Our weekly Family Service is an opportunity for a less formal service where parents, children and young people as well as newcomers to church are most welcome.
Midweek our daily morning prayers are at 9.00am and there is a well attended Wednesday Holy Communion Service as well as Worship with Mother.
The Church has an adjacent Churchyard, the Town Memorial Garden and a near-by Hall and Parish Office. The Mothers' Union and the Over-21 Group and many house groups are always delighted to welcome new members. The 'Chatterbox After School Club' caters for our younger members.
The Church takes very seriously the opportunities to serve the many people who come to us for Baptism, Thanksgivings, Marriages and Funerals and we value our ministry to people at these times.ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH Falcon Road
Team Vicar - The Revd Christine Rees - 01246 413893
In Holmesdale a Church Centre was built in 1962, added to in 1967,1975 and 1978. The flat roof construction proved inadequate and the building was knocked down and rebuilt in 1994.
The intention was to build a church which would show our love and respect for God and our love and involvement in the community. To this end the building is in two parts; the worship area is light, warm and comfortable and the worship for all ages is welcoming, lively and modern in outlook. The hall meets current standards of safety and convenience and will continue to be a suitable meeting place for a variety of groups.Children's activities include 'PIP's' which is a weekly mother, carer and toddler group; CORE Club for 7-11 years old is an after-school club with a Christian basis and 'Tuesday Club' which is aimed at the 10+ age group with activities and games on the lines of a youth club. In addition we have 'Together at Tea', a monthly meeting for older folk drawn from across Dronfield. Our 'Disabled Christian Fellowship' meets monthly for worship, prayer, fellowship and refreshments. We are keen to promote fellowship and unity in the body and house groups are encouraged together with regular bible study meetings in church.
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE METHODIST CHURCH
Revd. Nigel S. Bibbings - 01246 412303
This small, well-cared-for Church stands at the junction of Northern Common and Holmesfield Road, facing down Carr Lane. It was opened in 1848, at a time when the population of the village was growing rapidly.
The Church forms part of the Sheffield Brunswick Circuit of the Methodist Church and is served by Ministers and Local Preachers of that Circuit, including our own Minister. Services are held every Sunday at 11.00am. We are always glad to welcome visitors and newcomers and they will certainly get a warm greeting! There are weekly meetings of a Ladies Fellowship group and a Wives Group.ST. ANDREW'S COMMUNITY Pentland Road.
Minister: Revd. Jonathan Haigh - 01246 416893
St. Andrew's Church opened in 1973 as the worship centre on the Gosforth Valley. We are one congregation in the fellowship of three Churches - Church of England, Methodist and United Reformed. One minister is recognised by all three Churches as their own minister in the Partnership.
Sunday Services are: 8am Holy Communion (normally 1st and 3rd Sundays), 10am Family Service alternates with Communion.
Our worship seeks to be welcoming and informal, combining the strengths and insights of the traditions represented. People of all ages are welcome at our services and the church has a particular ministry to families with young children. There are creche and Sunday Schools at the main 10am service.
Our weekday activities include a coffee morning each Tuesday in school term, daytime and evening Bible study and fellowship groups, music group and Worship with Mother. Christian basics courses are held at regular intervals. Details are in the monthly Newsletter.
The church is closely associated with the Anglican/Methodist Primary School next door. Many community groups including playgroup, toddlers group and Over 60's Club also meet in the building.
Revd. Gill Tutt 0114 258 5420
Apperknowle Methodist Church was opened in 1879, replacing an earlier building. It is the only place of worship in the village, and is, therefore, the centre of the village Christian activity. Sunday services are led by Ministers and Local Preachers from the Brunswick Circuit, Sheffield and by visitors from other churches, often involving members of the congregation.
We are glad to welcome all those who wish to join us regularly or occasionally. Morning services are held at 10.45am. Our church is available to serve any who need its special ministries of Baptism Marriage and Funeral.
The Revd. William Eardley
0114 289 1425
St. Swithin's is set on a hilltop in rural surroundings, symbolising the role we seek to play in enabling the light of Christ to be seen in our community. The present 19th century church building is on a site which has been used for Christian worship since the 9th century and we hope will continue to be used in such a way for the next 1,000 years.
We try to reach out in welcome to any who live in Holmesfield or who come from further afield, in well-ordered worship and in challenging word, showing that Christ is here and now, understanding and involved in the life of humankind.
Our worship is, for the most part, accessible to all, including those who may not have been in church for many years, if ever. We have an 8 am service of Holy Communion on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, Holy Communion at 10.30am on 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month, an informal all age service on the 4th Sunday at 10.30am and on the 2nd Sunday, Morning Prayer at 10.30am.COAL ASTON WESLEYAN REFORM Cross Lane
Secretary: Mrs M. Stonehewer - 01246 415525
This church founded in 1848 and known as 'top chapel' is a member of the Wesleyan Reform Union but its local organisation is controlled by its church members. Our worship is led by lay preachers giving us the opportunity to have both traditional and more modern worship. We seek to encourage young and old alike in worship and thus our Sunday activities include Shipshape Club (for children aged 3 upwards), family worship and evening service (afternoon in winter).
The rehearsal of the united churches' choir is a welcome chance to share with friends from other churches. The bi-weekly fellowship and the monthly afternoon fellowship groups encompass a wide range of topics, both sacred and secular and there is an open invitation to join us.
We always welcome the opportunity to serve all members of the community and are delighted to support people who come to us for baptisms, dedications and funerals.COWLEY MISSION CHAPEL Cowley Lane, Holmesfield
Enquiries - 01246 419386.
In 1888 a group of local Christians with the help of others from Cliff College at Calver formed a Church at a house on Cowley Lane.
Five years later, a building was erected for worship and today we still worship in that building, albeit an extended and modernised one.
Everyone is welcome at the Chapel where we normally have two services on a Sunday, the morning service at 10.00am and the evening one at 6.30pm. We also have weekly bible study and fellowship meetings which are home groups and these as well as the Services are often attended by visitors to the area.
Our teaching is very much bible based and we pray that Jesus is glorified in our worship and our lives.HILL TOP UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Hill Top Road
Church Secretary Mr D Lax Tel. 01246 417536.
Christian worship at Hill Top had its origin in a house group in 1886. In 1914 it became a Congregational Mission housed in the present building. Additional rooms were built on in 1971 to cope with an increasing population. In 1972, at the union of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches of England and Wales, we became a United Reformed Church. The Churches of Christ became part of the denomination in 1981. Our congregation consists not only of members of our constituent churches but also Anglicans and Methodists!
We are a small but friendly community seeking to love God and our neighbours. Sensitive to tradition yet we strive to worship in the present, using the language of today having introduced the new U.R.C. Hymn Book 'Rejoice and Sing'.THE OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 4 Lea Road
Leader: Yvette Mattison
Oaks Christian Centre - 01246 414448
The Oaks Community Church is a growing church with people from many backgrounds and a lively and informal style. We are part of the Ground Level network of churches.
Our services include lively and moving worship and bible based teaching that is relevant to the everyday lives of all ages. Family life and deep friendships are important to us. We believe in the power of God to heal, and there are public and private opportunities to receive prayer for healing.
On most Sundays we meet at the Oaks Christian Centre on Lea Road at 10.30 am. This is also the base for some of our wide range of children’s and youth groups. The remaining groups and our house groups meet in members’ homes throughout the town.
For further details contact office@oakscc.org.uk or phone 01246 414448ST. PAUL'S METHODIST CHURCH Green Lane
Minister:
Rev. Nigel S. Bibbings Tel. 01246 412303
St. Paul's Church was opened in the late 1950's to serve the Holmesdale Estate and replaced the existing building on Quoit Green. We have gathered together over the years many people who were not by tradition Methodists who continue to make a distinctive contribution to the life and witness of a thriving and developing membership. We belong to the Sheffield Brunswick Circuit of Methodist Churches extending from Apperknowle to the inner-city, but are also committed to ecumenical partnerships through our Covenant with Churches Together in Dronfield and District.
Our main activity is Sunday Worship morning and evening, and Junior Church: Services of Holy Communion take place each Wednesday morning. Our weekly programme includes uniformed organisations, youth clubs, senior citizens group and a variety of devotional and social activities. The Church's pastoral ministry and house groups provide care and Christian nurture. Several community-based groups use our premises regularly and there is a ramp access to the Church as well as toilet for the use of disabled people.
We seek to witness to our calling by our concern for the people in the community in which He has placed us.COAL ASTON METHODIST CHURCH Eckington Road
Minister:
Rev. Nigel Bibbings Tel. 01246 412303
Lay Pastor:
Mrs E. Long Tel. 01246 411087
The Methodist Church has served as a centre of worship since 1866. Methodism was introduced 34 years earlier to a community whose population was then 800. The Church has developed as the village expanded, and the premises were extended to meet the needs of growing youth work and an active Sunday School. We are committed to the Covenant with Churches together in Dronfield and District and enjoy warm relationships with our friends at Coal Aston Wesley Reform Church.
The appointment of a Lay Pastor by the Sheffield Brunswick Circuit of Methodist Churches has enabled our Church to express Christ's care for people in practical ways in the local community, and our ministry to young people is maintained during the week through a thriving Boys' and Girls Brigade.
The Church's fellowship is sustained through a House Group. The congregation supports various needs across the world, including Christian Aid in particular. Worship is lively and welcoming, and takes place each Sunday morning. Two evening services are held each month as announced, except August.