Deep Roots, Warm Welcome: Autumn at St Philip’sAs summer gives way to autumn, the familiar rhythm of life at St Philip’s is beginning again: Sunday worship, Connect Groups, Youth Connect, prayer, Foodbank, Our Father’s House and the many other ways in which we gather, serve and grow together.But this autumn is not simply about restarting the diary.At our September PCC meeting we spent time asking an important question: what kind of church are we seeking to become? We are grateful for all that happens at St Philip’s, but we also recognise that a healthy church cannot simply keep adding more activity. Sometimes making space for growth means choosing carefully where to put our energy.For the coming year we are particularly focusing on three areas:Spiritual renewal — growing our life of prayer, worship and openness to the Holy Spirit.Deepening discipleship — helping one another become more deeply rooted followers of Jesus, particularly through Scripture, prayer and our Connect Groups.Warmer welcome — becoming even more intentional about helping newcomers and those on the edges of church life to feel known, valued and able to belong.These priorities reflect our desire not simply to become busier, but to become more deeply rooted in Christ and better equipped to share his love with East Leeds.Some changes to our programmeOne practical consequence is that the PCC has decided not to run our larger “Beacon” community events during this church year. Events such as these have brought a great deal of joy and have helped us make connections across the parish, but they also require considerable volunteer and leadership capacity. For this season, we believe it is right to simplify our programme and concentrate on strengthening the foundations of our life together. The PCC was clear that this is a pause rather than a rejection of community mission, and larger events can be considered again in future.There will also be a change to Wednesday Morning Prayer, which will pause when Fr Rolf begins paternity leave later in September. We expect to use this form of Morning Prayer again particularly during seasons such as Advent and Lent. Our Thursday Prayer Meeting, 9.30–11.00am, continues, and we would love to see more people joining us as we pray for the church, our parish and the wider world.Sundays this autumnOur regular Sunday worship continues at 10.30am, alongside a number of special Sundays during the term.On Sunday 4 October we celebrate Harvest, with Catherine and Emma helping to lead a special family-friendly service while Fr Rolf is on paternity leave.On Sunday 25 October we mark Bible Sunday, giving thanks for the Scriptures and asking how God’s Word continues to shape our lives.This year All Saints’ Day falls on Sunday 1 November, giving us the opportunity to celebrate this great feast together as part of our Sunday worship.Remembrance Sunday follows on 8 November, when we will remember those who have died in war and pray again for peace.On 22 November we celebrate Christ the King, bringing the Church’s year towards its conclusion by proclaiming Jesus as Lord and King.Then on Sunday 29 November, Advent Sunday, a new Church year begins as we turn once again towards the coming of Christ.Growing together during the weekOne of the strongest encouragements we can give this autumn is simply: join a Connect Group.Our groups are places for friendship, prayer, Bible study and honest conversation about following Jesus in everyday life. They are one of the most important ways we hope to deepen discipleship at St Philip’s, and this is an ideal time to become part of one if you have not already done so.Youth Connect is also back for our young people, alongside the other ministries that continue throughout the week.There will undoubtedly be new opportunities and events as the year develops, but our starting point is deliberately simple: pray more, grow deeper, and welcome warmly.We would love you to be part of it.
Churches in East Leeds are recruiting for a CAP Debt Centre Manager - 15 hours a week. Are you passionate about sharing your Christian faith? Are you drawn to support those in great need? A number of churches have formed a partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to provide a free debt advice service to the communities of East Leeds. Debt Centre Manager We are looking for a ‘people person’ who can engage with the local community and provide the first line of support for families who are struggling under the weight of unmanageable debt. There is no need for in-depth financial knowledge because the debt advice is prepared by CAP’s head office team who also negotiate with creditors and work with each client until they are debt free. CAP will also provide full training and ongoing support for the role. This exciting role will include: ● promoting the debt service locally ● recruiting a team of volunteers from the churches ● visiting clients in their homes (accompanied by another volunteer) ● carrying out a fact find with clients and then returning to communicate the financial plan produced by CAP ● going above and beyond in supporting clients whilst on their journey to becoming debt free, together with the volunteer team ● looking for opportunities to share the Christian faith with clients and connect them with the local church We will employ someone for 15 hours a week, starting in November 2026. At least two half-day sessions need to be within regular working hours (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). Salary: £13.50 to £16 per hour, depending on prior experience. Plus travel expenses for client visits etc Initial training will be from 2nd November to 4th December 2026 (about 50 hours over five weeks). Most of this will be online. To apply, request an application pack from Rev Rolf Mason (revrolfmason@yahoo.com) The deadline for applications is 31st August. The interviews will be held in the week commencing 7th September. The successful candidate will be invited to attend an orientation day on 7th October. There is an occupational requirement for the Debt Centre Manager to be a Christian.
Churches across East Leeds have joined together to launch a new Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, bringing free, face-to-face debt help and practical hope to people struggling with unmanageable debt. The new centre is the result of a partnership between local churches who share a vision of demonstrating Christ's love in practical ways to some of the most financially vulnerable people in our communities. Working alongside CAP, the churches will offer professional debt advice alongside compassionate local support, home visits and ongoing encouragement. CAP's specialist team handles the financial advice and negotiations with creditors, while local volunteers walk alongside clients on their journey towards becoming debt free. The partnership is now recruiting its first Debt Centre Manager, who will lead the service and help establish this exciting new ministry. The role involves building relationships with local referral agencies, recruiting and supporting volunteers, visiting clients in their homes, coordinating the local debt service, and naturally sharing the hope of the Christian faith where opportunities arise. Full training and ongoing support are provided by Christians Against Poverty, meaning previous specialist debt advice experience is not required. The churches are seeking someone with a heart for people, a passion for the gospel, and a desire to see lives transformed spiritually as well as financially. The position is for 15 hours per week, beginning in November 2026, with applications closing on 31 August, interviews in early September. The salary is £13.50–£16.00 per hour, depending on experience. Rev Rolf Mason, who is chairing the steering group for the new partnership, said: "Debt is about far more than money. It brings isolation, anxiety and hopelessness to many households across East Leeds. We believe the local church has a unique opportunity to offer both practical help and lasting hope. Through this partnership with Christians Against Poverty we want to see people not only become free from debt, but also discover that they are loved, valued and never beyond hope. We're praying for the right person to lead this new ministry." The steering group is made up of ecumenical partners. Revd Mason continued: "The Church is uniquely placed to offer what people in debt need most: expert help, genuine friendship and lasting hope. We long to see lives transformed not simply by becoming debt free, but by discovering the love of Christ through his people." The churches would value the prayers of people across the Diocese as they recruit the Debt Centre Manager, build a team of volunteers and prepare to open the new service. If you know someone with a heart for mission, compassion for those facing hardship, and gifts in pastoral care and organisation, please encourage them to consider applying. Application packs are available from Rev Rolf Mason, rolf.mason@leeds.anglican.org
A Summer of Prayer, Praise and Rest at St Philip'sSummer can often feel like a season of contradiction. We long for rest, but life remains busy. We hope for space to hear God, yet our diaries quickly fill up. This year at St Philip's, we're intentionally choosing a different rhythm.Throughout the summer months, we're simplifying church life so that together we can focus on some of the essentials of the Christian faith: worship, prayer, rest, and seeking the presence of God.Our key event this summer will be Prayer and Praise, Sunday 12 July, 6pm, an evening dedicated to worshipping God, praying together, and making space for the Holy Spirit to work among us. In a world full of noise and distraction, we want to create room simply to be with God, to listen to him, and to seek his guidance and renewal. There will be a focus on Youth and Children, plus news about Our Father's House.We're also excited that our young people will be leading our Youth Takeover Service on Sunday 5 July. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the gifts, faith and leadership of the next generation as they take a central role in our worship together.From Sunday 25 July until September, we'll worship together as one church family each Sunday morning. During this period there will be no separate children's or youth groups, allowing our volunteer leaders a well-earned break and giving us the opportunity to learn, pray and worship alongside one another across the generations.As part of this summer rhythm, most of our regular groups and activities will pause. We believe that rest is not a luxury but a gift from God, and we want to encourage our congregation and leaders alike to embrace a season of refreshment.A small number of ministries will continue throughout the summer:BCP Morning Prayer, Wednesdays at 10.00amOur Father's House, Wednesdays at 7.00pm (food at 6pm)Foodbank on Thursdays, 11-1pmWhether you're staying close to home, heading away on holiday, or simply looking for a different pace of life over the coming months, we invite you to join us. Our prayer is that this summer will be a season in which we learn again to rest in God's presence, deepen our life of prayer, and open ourselves afresh to the work of the Holy Spirit."Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
