A Snapshot of God's Work around the Circuit in 2025

Doncaster Methodist Circuit Roundup of 2025

In January, a Leading Worship for Beginners course and an Introduction to PowerPoint course were offered. Both courses received highly positive feedback from participants.

In February, Harworth Methodist Church hosted the District Supernumeraries winter lunch. The event began with a brief service led by District Chair Rev Gill Newton and Pastor Sean Worsley, followed by a three-course hot meal served in the hall. Everyone who attended had an enjoyable time.

In March, Harworth Methodist Church marked its 100th anniversary with a service led by former Pastor Alice Curry, followed by a bring-and-share lunch.

St Andrew’s Methodist Church celebrated its 109th anniversary with worship led by former Minister Rev Arthur Harbottle.

Flintwood Methodist Church launched a monthly Wednesday craft afternoon for both new and experienced crafters.

April and the Circuit were encouraged to join the P4D (Passion for Doncaster) joint churches walk from the Minster to the Corn Exchange, which concluded with a Good Friday service.

During April, an idea began to take shape within the Circuit regarding the potential employment of an Anna Chaplain, a suggestion made by Mr Roger Thirlwell. Anna Chaplains are non-denominational spiritual carers who support older people unable to attend church.

May – Stainforth Methodist Church held a 80th Anniversary VE Day Thanksgiving service followed by a tea.

The Easter Offering Service took place at Sprotbrough Methodist Church (SMC) with guest preacher Rev Andrew Ashdowne, with an afternoon tea held prior to the service.

In June, Barnby Dun Methodist Church marked its sesquicentennial celebration (150 years). An open house with refreshments was held on Saturday, featuring memorabilia displays for attendees to view and reminisce. On Sunday, a service led by Rev. Tom Read included the dedication of a new cross installed on the church’s exterior wall.

A Parent & Toddler group was set up in Dunsville to serve the families of the area.

In July, Cantley Methodist Church hosted a Circuit Service of Farewell for the outgoing District Chair Rev Gill Newton.

September saw SMC hosting the Alpha course and Harvest season was upon us with many churches collecting donations of food to be sent to various foodbanks throughout the City.

Alder Grove Methodist Church welcomed a local preparatory school for a brief service. The students participated by singing hymns and engaging in activities designed to highlight the significance of harvest and the value of sharing before bringing their gifts of food.

Harvest Festival services continued into October. Cantley Methodist Church hosted a concert by – jBM Saxophonquartett from Germany, who donated their time for free. All ticket sales were donated to the Doncaster Food Bank.

The Circuit was delighted to employ Mr Roger Thirlwell as the Circuit and District’s very first Anna Chaplain.

Tickhill Methodist Church also hosted an Organ Recital by Mr John Marsden with proceeds to the church and charity.

In November churches across the Circuit decorated with poppies in remembrance of those lost in war and held their service of Remembrance.

Adwick-Le-Street, Alder Grove, Auckley and Cantley Methodist Churches gathered together their Shoeboxes to be distributed to children across the world. This year Auckley Methodist Church sent their 127 shoeboxes to Ukraine.

The Circuit Advent Service took place at Cantley Methodist Church. 

December
– St Andrew’s held their annual Candlelight Service with money donated to Action for Children.

Alder Grove Methodist Church hosted the Doncaster Hospice Memorial Service. Harworth Methodist Church held their annual
Christmas Tree Festival with trees decorated by local schools, businesses and groups.

Tickhill Methodist Church Craft and Chat have knitted approx 2480 angels, each with a message tag from the church. They have been distributed throughout Tickhill – left in shops, in hedges, on car ariels, had delivered to houses, businesses and care homes. Received with joy!

Tickhill Methodist Outreach team held their Christmas appeal – this year collecting chocolate bars and donations of money to buy thermal water bottles. Over 60 care packages were put together for the homeless and vulnerable of Doncaster.

Various carol services, Nativity service, Christingle services and Christmas Day services held across the Circuit.

CONNECT Contemporary Worship services at Tickhill continued throughout the year mostly led by Rev John Henry, with a couple of services taken by Pastor Sean Worsley and Local Preacher Chris Ogley. These services will continue into 2026.

Rev Tom Read continued with Weekday Holy Communion held at SMC. This will continue throughout 2026. A trial of Taizé style Communion began at the start of the new Connexional year and held at Adwick-Le-Street Methodist Church. Sadly, due to low numbers this service will no longer take place.

The RE Team with Aimee at the helm continues important work in schools around Doncaster and the Open the Book sessions within schools.

The Mission Matters Forum met throughout the year, an opportunity to discuss mission and what matters for local mission, mission in Britain and world mission. This will continue into the new year.

Circuit Prayer Breakfast continues on the second Saturday of each month. This is hosted by a different church in the Circuit each month. This is open to anyone to attend – with a light breakfast and then time of prayer.

Bible study groups led by our Minstry Team – Rev John Henry, Rev Tom Read, Pastor Sean Worsley, Pastor Liz Worsley – some long
standing, some new – continue throughout the Circuit at Barnby Dun, Cantley, Flintwood, Hatfield Woodhouse and Tickhill.

A new Prayer Time at Thorne takes place on the 3rd Saturday of the month. The weekly Zoom Prayer meeting hosted by
Flintwood Methodist Church continues to meet each Tuesday evening. 

Baby Basics won the Doncaster Mumbler Community Impact Award, recognized for providing essential items to families and supporting the local community. They provided over 230 Moses basket starter packs and over 300 cots/cot-beds through the Safe Space to Sleep project.

Tickhill Methodist Outreach Team continue to provide food and support to homeless and vulnerable people in Doncaster. Each Monday evening providing food outside Christ Church. This year they won a grant of £1000 from the Tesco Stronger Starts programme.

Various charity coffee mornings and Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter fayres held throughout the year.