A new Business Innovation Centre is due to launch next month to support new and growing businesses and social enterprises. St. Peter’s in the City will utilise space within the Church and Centre by offering desk space to new or existing businesses and social ventures.

The launch will take place on Tuesday 4^th February, 12 noon at St Peter’s in the City.

The church will offer office space at significantly lower than average rents and support from professional mentors. There will also be help with sourcing available funding through the Church Urban Fund, Local Enterprise Partnership and individual donors.

St. Peter’s already supports local people in a number of ways including debt advice, Refugee and Asylum Seekers, food parcels, a children’s clothes bank and to retail and business through the chaplaincy service, and their involvement in the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).

Canon Paul Morris from St. Peter’s In the City explained: “In light of the Redfern Commission, an Innovation Centre offers a very practical and co-operative response to the employment pressures faced by many – including young people and those who have been made redundant and want support to set up their own businesses.

“Our research shows that businesses would greatly benefit from having the DE1 postcode but cannot always afford the city centre rents and rates.

“This will therefore support businesses and organisations who are working to address social needs in the city with space for up to eight ‘hot desks’ with greatly reduced rents and the support they need to start new businesses or grow existing businesses – creating much needed local jobs.

“We believe St. Peter’s is uniquely placed in our region to take this model that has worked so well elsewhere and adapt it to local needs, priorities and aspirations.”

The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby said:

"I welcome this exciting new venture. It shows the church working in partnership with businesses and with those seeking to create employment. It will enable new ventures to develop and to enhance the life of our city. We have a particular role in bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives to create new life - very appropriate for a city of innovation."

Couples who are thinking of marrying are invited to attend the “How to plan a great wedding” event at St Nicholas Church Allestree on Monday 20^th January 7.30pm.

The relaxed, non-commercial event will allow couples thinking of marriage to meet couples who married in 2013 and share advice and tips on the planning process whilst enjoying a drink and canapés. For those that are considering getting married in church there will also be a chance to talk to a vicar about the process and options available including blessings in church after a civil ceremony in this country or abroad.

Revd William Bates said: “When I talk to couples the expense is clearly a big factor in delaying getting married and there is often a feeling that prices increase simply because it’s a wedding.

We planned this event to allow newly married couples to share their experiences and offer advice to couples thinking of getting married. It’s also a chance for couples who perhaps hadn’t considered getting married in church to come along and see what we can offer.

Planning a wedding and getting married should be a special time and I hope this event can help demonstrate that there are lots of options to allow you to have a great wedding without too much expense. “

The event is free but please book to reserve your place : 01332 550224 williambates@btconnect.com

The General Synod of the Church of England meets in London in February for a three day meeting from 2.00 pm on Monday 10^thFebruary until 5.30 pm on Wednesday 12^th February. 

The agenda for the meeting is published today.  The main item of business will be the Revision Stage for the draft legislation to enable women to become bishops.  In an unusual move, this will be taken on the floor of the Synod without there having been a prior Revision Committee.   There will also be three other debates as part of the women bishops process: on the Declaration and Disputes Resolution Procedure agreed by the House of Bishops in December; to initiate the process to rescind the 1993 Act of Synod; and to suspend part of the Standing Orders in order to accelerate the process for referring the legislation to the dioceses. These debates will take up much of Tuesday 11^th February.

There will also be debates on Gender-Based Violence, the Girl Guides’ Promise, the environment and fossil fuels and the use of vesture in Church services.  The Group of Sessions will conclude with a presentation on the report from the House of Bishops Working Group on Human Sexuality.  A Diocesan Synod Motion from the Guildford Diocesan Synod on the Magna Carta is listed as Contingency Business.

On the Monday afternoon there will be a presentation on Ethical Investment by the Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG). The EIAG will give an overview of the Church of England’s approach to ethical investment, in particular the work it has done on reflecting the Church’s position on alcohol more faithfully and supporting purposeful investment in business.  It will summarise the issues that the EIAG is currently working on, including the use of pooled funds in ethical investment and an ethical investment approach to climate change. 

This will be followed by a further policy-focused debate, this time on Gender-Based Violence. The debate will be preceded by a short presentation by Mandy Marshall and Peter Grant who are co-directors of Restored Relationships, an international Christian alliance working to transform relationships and end violence against women. 

Each session will be followed by a Question and Answer session with Synod members.  The debate on Gender-Based Violence will be followed by a brief period of worship.

The sequence of business of Tuesday 19^th November in relation  Women in the Episcopate will be as follows. First, the Synod will debate a motion from the House of Bishops inviting the Synod to welcome the draft House of Bishops’ draft Declaration and Disputes Resolution Regulations.  Secondly, there will be the Revision Stage on the floor of the Synod of the draft Measure and Amending Canon.  Thirdly, Synod will give initial consideration to a draft Act of Synod to rescind the Episcopal Ministry Act of Synod 1993.  Finally, there will be a motion to suspend part of Standing Order 90 to reduce the normal minimum length of time for an Article 8 Reference to the dioceses from six months to three months to allow a faster passage of the final stages of the Women in the Episcopate legislation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will give a Presidential Address on the morning of Wednesday 12^th February.

This will be followed by a debate on a package of proposals for legislative change in relation to safeguarding and related disciplinary matters, which has been developed in response to the reports of the Chichester commissaries.  This includes making it easier to suspend clergy, or bring complaints against them, where abuse is alleged, enabling bishops to compel clergy to undergo risk assessments and imposing a duty on relevant persons to have regard to the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies.  The intention is to introduce legislation in July 2014 but given the importance and range of the proposals this report gives Synod the opportunity to consider the package in February before the legislation is prepared.

Later that morning, there will be a debate on a motion from the Southwark Diocesan Synod on Environmental Issues.  This will build further on the work being carried out by the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG).  The Diocesan Synod Motion calls for the establishment of a General Synod Working Group on the Environment to look into this further.

Two Private Members’ Motions will be debated on Wednesday afternoon.  The first, tabled by Mrs Alison Ruoff (London Diocese), references the recent changes to the Girl Guides’ Promise.  The second, to be moved by the Reverend Christopher Hobbs, calls on the General Synod to amend Canon B 8 so that the wearing of the forms of vesture referred to in that Canon ‘becomes optional rather than mandatory’.

Finally, there will be a presentation from Sir Joseph Pilling on the recent Report of the House of Bishops’ Working Group on Human Sexuality which was published on 28 November.  There will be an opportunity for questions on the process and next steps on the Pilling Report. 

The Bishop of Derby will be presenting his “Bishops Badge” to people in the community who have shown an outstanding contribution to their community or church at two special services at Derby Cathedral (3pm) and St John’s Buxton (6pm) on Sunday 29 September.

123 people from all over Derbyshire have been nominated to receive the Badge.

The Bishop of Derby, Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern said: "The Bishops Badge is an important event each year for the Diocese. It's a moment when we stop to say thank you to people who selflessly, week after week, just get on with doing what the Gospel is about. Nobody can apply for it. You are nominated by your community. It's a real pat on the back to people who aren't looking for recognition."

A video introducing a few of those nominated was published on the diocesan website, www.derby.anglican.org today.

Brian Hamilton said “I was delighted to receive a letter from the Bishop saying I was going to be awarded the Bishop’s Badge which is very much unexpected. It’s a privilege and an honour to be able to receive it in acknowledgement of the work I do in the parish.”

Vernon Mather MBE said: “ I was quite shocked when I got the letter from the Bishop saying I’d been nominated for one of his badges, that coming on top of an MBE from Buckingham Palace a few years ago was quite something.“

St Alkmund’s Church, Derby are excited to hold an Election Husting event on Wednesday 22^nd April, 7.30pm

The evening will take the form of a discussion with the principle candidates for Derby North and Derby South constituencies, along similar lines to the BBC program ‘Question Time’.

The event will be chaired by The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby.

Bishop Alastair said: ‘ It is important for the public to engage with their prospective parliamentary candidates to question the parties’ pledges but also to raise the importance of those policies locally. I am pleased that St Alkmund's are able to provide a space to allow this discussion to take place and look forward to chairing this exciting event’

The event will be attended by representatives of the Conservative party, Green Party, Labour, Liberal Democrat Party and the UK Independence party.

It is anticipated that the discussion will cover a range of topics including:

• Overall political approach and thinking

• Specific policy areas

• local issues relevant to Derby

Audience members are invited to submit a question prior to the event and a selection of the best will be chosen on the night. Audience members will also be able to ask follow on questions around topics under discussion.

For more information about the event visit https://sites.google.com/site/stalkmundshustings2015/home

Doors open to the public at 6.45pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The event will close at 10pm. All are welcome to attend.

Statement from the Archbishop of York on the plane crash in Ahmedabad

It is terrifying, and heartbreaking, to hear the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Carrying 242 people, including many UK nationals, the plane crashed into a residential area.

My prayers are with all the victims who were on the plane, those on the ground, and all those who are going through the unimaginable suffering of losing loved ones so unexpectedly.

I’m praying for everyone affected, and hoping beyond hope that more survivors will be found.

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.

In the Diocese of Derby our hearts go out to all those in the Gujarati community across the midlands who have lost members of their family in this terrible tragedy. We stand with you in sorrow,  and pray for you as all those affected seek to both to take in what has happened, and to begin the hard journey of grief. You are in our prayers.

Malcolm Macnaughton –Bishop of Repton

The Diocese of Derby Diocesan Synod met for the 146^th time on Saturday 14 June, at St Werburgh’s Church in Derby City. Synod  gathered for a day of worship, updates and bold conversation, covering everything from diocesan finances to disability access and the role of education in our schools.

Opening worship and vision

The morning session was chaired by Canon Julian Holywell, chair of the House of Clergy. The day began with prayer, scripture, and remembrance of the late Rev Prebendary John Baines, celebrated for his humour and ministry, and life of service, most recently at St George’s Church, New Mills.

Before business, Synod gathered for worship, led by Rev Dawn Knight, Area Dean for South East Derbyshire Deanery, which included a reading from Romans 3:21 to 31 – that all who believe are ‘…justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.’

Opening reflections, led by Rt Rev Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton (who was acting as president for the meeting while Bishop Libby is on sabbatical) focused on being ‘on the front foot’, embracing faith, mission, and creative possibility despite current pressures. +Malcolm referenced the joys and challenges of parish life, the upcoming ordinations of deacons and priests, and the national Thy Kingdom Come initiative, which recently marked its tenth year, pointed to signs of renewal and resilience.

Annual General Meeting and financial overview

The meeting moved seamlessly into the Annual General Meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF). Canon Mark Titterton was reappointed as Executive Chair of the and members approved the 2023 financial statements. Martyn Marples, Director of Finance, noted an overspend of £265,000 and investment gains of £1.3 million, lifting net assets to £110 million, though these have fallen back since by £2.6 million due to turmoil in the global financial markets. He also highlighted that free cash flow remains under pressure. He announced a shift to a total return investment strategy, allowing sustainable use of capital gains to support ministry, especially stipends, while preserving long-term asset value.

Will Hagger, Diocesan Secretary, reported on safeguarding improvements, streamlining governance, and development of a multi-million-pound bid to the national church’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board.

Martyn also shared that, following a thorough assessment by Bishop’s Council and other diocesan governance structures, the DBF is viable as a going concern. It was also recommended that BHP be reappointed as auditors.

The floor was opened for questions from Synod members, covering topics such as parish finance pressures (especially common fund expectations), sustainability of clergy numbers and lay ministry pathways, transparency about diocesan budgets and spending priorities, and call for creativity and urgency. Martyn reminded Synod of the need to make the most of the current window we have around finances, and that the decisions we take now will help offset making even harder decisions three to five years from now.

Derby’s response to so-called ‘Hereford Motion’

The second session was chaired by Rev Bryony Taylor, and included a debate brought to Diocesan Synod from Carsington Deanery.  At its meeting on 1 February, Carsington Deanery Synod passed a motion calling for a debate at Diocesan Synod on a proposal to call upon the Church Commissioners to redistribute over £2 billion back to Diocesan Stipends Funds. This motion was first passed by the Diocese of Hereford last year, and will be debated at General Synod in July.

Synod debated the motion, which was moved by Carsington Deanery representative Peter Kelsey:

“That this Synod:

(i) call upon the Church Commissioners and Archbishops Council to undertake everything necessary to effect a redistribution of financial resources directly to Diocesan Stipend Funds to reflect the value of contributions made by Diocesan Boards of Finance to the Church of England Funded Pension Scheme since it was established by the settlement of 1997 (£2.6 billion)

(ii)call upon Diocesan Boards of Finance to manage the funds redistributed as a result of the above to support parish ministry in the ways discerned locally to be most effective in enabling growth and sustaining the Church of England's commitment to be a Christian presence in every community.”

A debate followed that addressed the desire for funds to be released to fund clergy posts that could sustain or revitalise parishes that have been struggling. It was argued that after a long period of the Church Commissioner’s fund benefiting from legacy contributions made by the dioceses, now is the time for some of that money to be returned and put towards funding frontline mission and ministry. It was also noted by Synod delegates opposed to the motion that it did not solve the underlying issue that parishes face around their financial health, and that these funds would only delay the inevitable. It was argued that releasing more money into sustaining parishes without focusing on the core task of the church, to share the gospel and bring people into faith in Jesus Christ, would undermine the effectiveness of what the Church is called to do. It was also noted that any funds released, should the Hereford Motion be passed by General Synod, would be to fund stipendiary clergy only, and that parishes would not be able to be access these funds for spending on mission and ministry at their own discretion.

The motion was passed by approximately three quarters of synod in support, with the remaining voting against or abstaining.

Accessibility and disability inclusion in focus – the symbols project

A presentation from Carl Veal and Lynda Herbert on behalf the Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) highlighted the need for greater accessibility and inclusion in church life. They spoke movingly drawing on their own experiences of the barriers that can exclude people from full participation in worship and community.

They introduced the web-based self-assessment tool that DIAG have produced. Inspired by the accessibility legend used by places like National trust, and with sponsorship from the Archbishops’ Council, DIAG have commissioned a series of symbols that can be used on church literature and publicity to highlight the accessibility features of their buildings. These include symbols covering the presence of accessibility ramps and toilet facilities, hearing loops, and measures to recognise and serve neurodiverse people.

The full catalogue of symbols and how to use them can be found online at www.accessiblechurch.net

Diocesan Board of Education: Challenges and opportunities

The afternoon session was chaired by Peter Kelsey, this time in his capacity as Chair of the House of Laity. It included a presentation from Carolyn Shoyer, Diocesan Director of Education, around the work of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), sharing updates on school partnerships, collective worship, RE provision and spiritual development.

She talked about strengthening relationships between church schools and parishes, advocated for Christian distinctiveness in education, and navigating the landscape of national policy and inspection frameworks. Synod was invited to consider how churches can better support schools as places of hope, hospitality and leadership.

Final deliberations

Final pieces of business included receiving a written report on Safeguarding, notification of upcoming conversations around Living in Love and Faith in both the Houses of Clergy and Laity, and finally formal notice of amendments to Canon law by General Synod, relayed by Diocesan Registrar Ian Blaney.

The meeting closed by sharing ‘the grace’.

Diocesan Synod gathers again on Saturday 18 October at St John’s Walton, Chesterfield.

Hosted by Bishop Malcom Macnaughton, one of our wonderful young people Hadassah, and the Growing Younger Team (on one of the hottest days of the year so far!), over 100 youth and children’s leaders, parents, and clergy from across the Diocese of Derby gathered for our first annual Growing a Younger Church Conference.

Our Diocesan vision is ‘The kingdom of God; good news for all - transformed lives, growing church, and building community.’  This obviously includes children, young people, and families (CYPF) and one of our priorities as a Diocese is to grow a younger church.

On the day, we heard stories about ways that God is moving across our parishes, and shared practical solutions on how to join him in what he is doing, as well as taking time to acknowledge the challenges that come with all things CYPF and the hard work invested by all those involved.

Fuelled with tea, coffee, and pastries, attendees heard throughout the day from keynote speakers including Naomi Wadswoth from Open Doors Youth, Nicola Wigglesworth from The Child Behaviour Network and Andy Saunders from Lighthouse Ministries, as well as other wonderful speakers from across the diocese and beyond. It was fantastic to hear from such a diverse range of speakers and topics, and to see so many church communities from across the diocese represented.

The day was a real opportunity to connect and chat with others (some folk even picnicking outside in the beautiful grounds of St John’s Walton), and the chance to discover the part that we can all play in growing a younger church.

We hope that all our attendees left not only with some fabulous goody bags, but that each person left feeling connected, encouraged and equipped to nurture the faith of CYPF in their own contexts.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from participants around the diocese. Comments included:

“It was a really good day – the best youth training I have attended!”

"I wanted to say how helpful the day was. It was great to meet other people and learn from their experience and ideas, and I thought the variety of speakers available was brilliant. I came away feeling energized and excited. Thank you for arranging the conference!"

“Really inspiring”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

To close the day, Bishop Malcom shared this Diocesan Growing Younger Vision Prayer:

“Gracious God, in your mercy and for your glory, renew, reshape, and revive our children, young people, and families. Instil in them generous faith, courageous hope, and life-giving love, so that, as active young disciples, their transformed lives may inspire the faith of others, and together we may grow in greater love with you. Through their witness, may the good news of your kingdom be received by all. Amen.”

A huge thank you to all who came together to make the day a success and chose to spend a sunny Saturday in June committing to growing a younger church!

Please email growingyounger@derby.anglican.org if you would like any more information on the seminars, resources or talks from the day.

Justin Thacker was ordained at a special ordination service at Holy Trinity and Christ Church, Chesterfield, in July. He writes:

"I’ve done quite a lot of different things in my life. My first career was as a medical doctor. I trained in paediatrics and worked in East Africa for a time. While in Kenya, I sensed God calling me to leave medicine and become an academic theologian. Apart from some stints working for global justice charities, that is what I have mainly done since then.

"Most recently, I’ve been working in an Anglican theological college training, amongst others, Church of England ordinands. It was somewhat of a surprise then when I sensed another call in my life – this time to ordination myself. I had always felt that my strengths were in academic theology and teaching, especially around issues of ethics and justice. But God, as he so often does, had other plans. I’m now incredibly excited about what the future holds.

"Following ordination, I will be working half-time as a curate in Holy Trinity and Christ Church, Chesterfield, and half-time continuing in my academic role for St Hild College. Fundamentally, what made me make this leap was God’s call. It was just a niggle that wouldn’t go away. Through various gentle prompts, I just sensed that God had one more big adventure for me and parish ministry was it. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what my ministry will look like. I’ve learnt that there is little point in second-guessing God and I suspect he often laughs at the plans we construct.

"I hope that my ministry will involve some work with those who are marginalised, especially the homeless and those with addiction issues (as that is where my recent experience and passion lies), but the truth is I just want to serve God in whatever way God wants. He, after all, know how best I can serve the kingdom, and I’d be a fool to do anything else.

Justin's ordination follows the ordination of four other deacons earlier this month. You can see photos of both ordination services on our Flickr pages.

Is God stirring something in you?

All of us are invited to follow Jesus and to serve God faithfully in our everyday lives. To discover more about what this might mean for you, please see our Everyday Faith page. Alongside our everyday faith, some people are called to serve God in a specific ministry. You can find out more about that on our vocations page.