An Introduction to our new Team Curate – Revd Sam Clayton

We are delighted to welcome Revd Sam Clayrton to The Headingley and All Hallows Team.

Sam will be joining us in July 2026 as Team Curate. Her ordination to the diaconate will be held on Saturday 4 July, 11am, at Bradford Cathedral. All are invited to come and support her at this service.

An introduction from Sam.

I have been happily married to my husband, Chris, for nearly 24 years, and together we have been blessed with two wonderful sons, Alexander and Daniel. Family life has always been at the heart of who I am, and it has shaped both my journey of faith and my sense of calling.

I came to faith at the age of 16, and from that moment, my relationship with God has continued to grow and deepen. Over the years, my faith has become stronger and more central to my life, guiding my decisions, sustaining me through challenges, and shaping my sense of purpose. For a long time, it has been evident—not only to me but also to others—that I have been called to ministry.

Throughout my career, I have primarily worked in nurseries and schools, supporting and nurturing children and young people. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for the importance of community, care, and encouragement in helping others flourish. In addition, I had the privilege of serving as a families worker in an inner-city church in Bradford, where I was able to walk alongside families in their faith journeys and experience the richness and diversity of church life in that context.

I was born in Bradford and lived there for many years before our family moved to Oxford for Chris’s training. More recently, we have moved to Horsforth, where Chris has taken up the incumbency post at St Margaret’s.

I am now about to complete my training at St Hild Theological College, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I look forward to being part of the church family across the Headingley and All Hallows team—getting to know you all, walking alongside you in your journeys with God, and seeing people grow in their faith.

God bless,
Sam

Winter Shelter For The Homeless

We are delighted to announce that from tonight, Monday 2nd February, we will be hosting a Winter Night Shelter for up to 15 homeless people for 7 nights!

The project is being run by Unity in Poverty Action, Leeds Street Outreach Service and Leeds Christian Community Trust and is being funded by Leeds City Council. Volunteers from our church community and beyond are coming together this week to make our church a welcoming space, spend time with our guests and cook/bake for them.

We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to two local businesses for their gracious support this week. Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana – Headingley are providing pizzas for our guests and volunteers for an evening, & Spen Lane Cleaners Ltd will be laundering all the bedding during the week.

Try Alpha

The Alpha course is a 9-week long programme, in place for any individuals asking the big questions such as:

Does prayer work?
Is there life after death?
Is God real?

The intention behind this is to engage in open and honest conversations with new friends on the topic of faith and other crucial matters.

To find out more, please visit our Alpha page.

Auction of Promises 2025

On the evening of Friday 17 October 2025 we are holding an AUCTION OF PROMISES where people bid for the time, skills or opportunities offered by others in an auction. The money raised will go towards the Raindrops Appeal to fund weatherproofing the church.

Firstly, we are asking everyone to think of something, or several things, which you could offer as a ‘promise’ which others may like to bid on. A few ideas are… a homemade cheese cake, loaves of bread, dinner for 6, family history research, gardening, car washing, dog walking, ironing, a horse ride, keep fit classes, bell ringing for an occasion, computer lessons!

It must be something which you can provide and which you are prepared to cover the cost or expense of providing—you may therefore wish to state any restrictions of time or value so it is clear to those bidding.

So what hobbies, skills or interests do you have? What service or time could you offer that someone else might wish to bid on? An offer slip is provided opposite for you to complete and place in the dedicated box at the back of church.

Alternatively, you can complete and email to treasurer@stchads.co.uk. Please could we receive all offers by Friday 10 October so that a catalogue can be produced and made available before the auction itself. You can still be involved by offering a ‘promise’ or by placing a proxy bid against one of the items in the catalogue (forms will be provided when the catalogue is published, and made available online.

Secondly, we need your support on the night to bid on the promises being offered in the auction. A catalogue of what is on offer will be available from Sunday 12 October at the back of church, in the Parish Centre and on the Parish Centre website (www.stchadsparishcentre,org) so you can choose your lots.

The Auction will take place in the Parish Centre. The bar will be open from 7.00 and bidding will start at 7.30. We will accept cards, cash and cheques as payment for your bids.

Download the Promise form here

Introductory Message from Jo

Introductory message from Jo

We are excited to announce the appointment of a new curate, Jo Barrington, to The Headingley & All Hallows Team from 29^th June 2025.

Here’s an introductory message from Jo.

Hello!

I’m really looking forward to join your community for this next season. I am excited to join in with what God is doing amongst you in Headingley, and to get to know you all.

A clear thread through my life has been that I have known Jesus as my friend. I have taken great joy in seeing his kindness and love in my own life and in the lives of those around me. I have a heart to share this extravagant love to people who have discounted themselves from God and faith. To trust in God’s goodness and mercy is a continual learning exercise, and for me following God call on my life has led me to train for ordained ministry.

I have recently been reflecting on some words of Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama – “strength is not strength unless it makes the weak strong.” I am consistently grateful for the strength of God, without which we cannot share the light of Christ with others. There is a ‘yes’ to be said each day as we trust that God will strengthen us in all we do, and I am encouraged that Christ’s mercy enables us to learn more of his love for us and share it with others. I know that Christ will be my strength as I make this move ‘up north’ to Leeds, and I am excited for the adventure ahead.

I’m moving to Leeds from Oxford, where I have spent the best part of a decade working and studying. I’ve had a career in branding and communications, whilst also moonlighting as a barista and a swimming teacher. I’ve spent the last few years studying for an undergraduate degree in Theology at Wycliffe Hall, and gaining ministry experience in a variety of churches.

Outside of work you’ll mostly find me outdoors, or on a hunt for some good coffee! I love the sunshine, time with friends, travel, photography and food. I’m looking forward to exploring the Dales, but even more I am looking forward to meeting you all and to serving and journeying in faith together.

In Christ,

Jo.

Jo will spend her first year at St Chad’s and with Rev Hannah, but she may be deployed across the team as the curacy progresses and as we discover where Jo can best learn and serve.

An Introduction to our new Team Curate – Revd Sam Clayton

An introduction from Sam.

Winter Shelter For The Homeless

Try Alpha

Auction of Promises 2025

Introductory message from Jo

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