News and Events
St John’s Church, Ridgeway joined up with their local community last night to perform an open air nativity. The event , started at the church and was hosted by the Bridge Inn at Ford. It was scripted by Sharon Taylor, a children’s dramatist who lives in the village. Children from Ridgeway primary school starred in the performance and joined the choir.
Around 200 people attended the event which included a mixture of traditional carols, a folk wassail and a nativity-adjusted version of Slade’s “Merry Christmas Ev’rybody!” all played by a folk band from Dronfield (which includes curate, Revd Ian Price).
The local WI also provided refreshments, and a local farmer supplied the bales.
Revd Ian Price said: “It was nice to see the community come together and importantly, the Gospel of what Christmas is about was shared in public, and people were invited to contact and find out more. Plans are already afoot to do another one next year.”
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 4th 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 20th 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 10thFebruary until 5.30 pm on Wednesday 12th 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 11th 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 19th 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 12th 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 22nd 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.
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2025
Clergy Conference
13 - 15 October 2025
General Synod
10 - 14 February 2025 - London
11 - 15 July 2025 - York
17 - 19 November 2025 - London
Diocesan Synod
19 March 2025 - Clif College, Calver
14 June 2025
18 October 2025
Bishop's Council (18.00 - 21.00)
17 February 2025
12 May 2025
7 July 2025
29 September 2025
4 November 2025
Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) (14:00 - 16:00)
3 February 2025
24 March 2025
19 May 2025
21 July 2025
22 September 2025
24 November 2025
No events currently scheduled
Bishop Libby is encouraging us all to pray ahead of Sunday's Euro 2024 final between England and Spain
The Church of England's lead bishop for sport was in York for General Synod when she watched England's thrilling penalty-shootout victory over Switzerland.
And she posted simply 'Go England!' on Facebook following the semi-final win over the Netherlands that put England's men into their first-ever final on foreign soil.
Here is a prayer you can use ahead of this Sunday's final:
God of grace and mercy,
for all that gives us joy and offers us hope,
we give you thanks.
We rejoice that we are brought together,
across our rich and vibrant diversity, in celebration and shared experience -
and we pray the goodness of all that will last long beyond Sunday (whatever the result).
You know the desires of our hearts,
and we know those hopes are echoed in hearts across the Netherlands.
And so, as we turn to you again in prayer;
we do not ask for victory (though we are honest in naming that we want it) –
rather we ask, once more, that striving for excellence
will be marked by humility and fair play
and rooted in respect for others, on and off the pitch.
May our desire to win not overwhelm our common humanity
and may we, finally, find our hope and peace in you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Diocesan Logo
Low resolution versions of our logo are available to download below. For High resolution versions (for printed documents / signage etc) please contact communications@derby.anglican.org
Download our brand guidelines for more guidance on correct logo usage and fonts. If you have any queries, please contact communications@derby.anglican.org
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Discipleship Training
Our exciting, easy-to-access training is available for all who want to deepen their faith, grow in discipleship and develop the gifts God has given them in the service of the church.
The training is open to all who want to learn more about their faith and also to those who want to develop in ministry.
You don't need any formal qualifications to take any of the modules, just some good thinking and reflecting skills.
You can work towards a Certificate of Mission & Ministry by completing the whole course with assignments or you can simply do the modules for your own faith journey.
You can do one module or many, and you can start, stop for a while and then pick up again later.
The training is modular, which simply means that you will spend 10 sessions looking at a particular subject (for example, the Bible or Pastoral Care or Mission and Evangelism etc).
These 10 sessions make up one module.
You will do seven of these sessions on your own in the comfort of your own home at a time to suit you and the other three sessions will be done with everyone on the module coming together on Zoom.
Find out more and request an Information Pack from our new training website www.discipleship-training.org or contact the course administrator, Fiona.bennett@derby.anglican.org.
Learning in Faith Bitesize is a new way for you to learn from the Diocese of Derby at home.
These bitesize courses and videos can typically be done in half an hour or less using nothing more than your computer, tablet or phone.
Choose your learning category
- Churchwardens and Officers
- Mission, Evangelism and Discipleship
- Children's and Youth Work
- Spirituality and Prayer
- Community
Churchwardens and Officers
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Can I be a churchwarden?Five things you need to know if you are considering becoming a churchwarden in the Diocese of Derby. Video 30 secs -
Being a churchwardenWhether you’re an experienced warden or new to the role, this module will tell you all the basics you need to know. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 35 mins -
Churches as community buildingsBuilding strong, lasting relationships with the whole community is central to effective mission. For churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
The DAC and facultiesUseful information about how the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) can help you and facts about faculties. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 35 mins -
Faculty applicationsThis module will tell you need to know about how to make, and what to include, in a faculty application. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Church buildings management throughout the yearKnow what you need to do throughout the year to look after your church building. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Leading Worship at Short NoticeWhat you need to know and what you can and can't do when leading worship. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Leading intercessionsHow to lead God's people in prayer. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
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Mission, Evangelism and Discipleship
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What is a Pioneer?We all know we have pioneer clergy in the diocese - but what IS a pioneer? Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
A pioneer is...Pioneers from the Diocese of Derby share their thoughts Type: video Duration: 6m 39s
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Children's and Youth Work
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Running a Children's Group at ChurchHow to get started running a group for children in your church. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Could you be a Church Children's Leader?The skills and training needed to be a children's leader in church. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
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Spirituality and Prayer
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Leading IntercessionsHow to lead God's people in prayer. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
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Planning a Prayer WalkTop tips and information for planning a prayer walk near you. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Spirituality in Later LifeDementia and creating a dementia-friendly church. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
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Community
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Becoming an Eco ChurchWhat is to be an eco church and why you should become one. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Eco Church resource sheetDownload our Bitesize resource sheet for useful information on becoming an Eco Church. .pdf -
Going green - a tale of two churchesHow two churches in the Diocese of Derby lowered their carbon footprints. Type: video Dur: 5 mins 39 secs
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Watch the video to find out more about learning in Faith | Bitesize.
For the last two weeks our screens have been showing harrowing scenes from a country halfway around the world, where a nation is in turmoil and many people are fearful about the future and struggling to know what to do next. What we are seeing in Afghanistan is an unfolding humanitarian crisis, with people leaving through evacuation flights as well attempting to cross borders into neighbouring countries. Please hold the situation and people of Afghanistan in your prayers
Around seventy people in family groups have now arrived in Derby and are in temporary hotel accommodation which will be their home until they can be resettled in different parts of the UK. These are families who have arrived through the Government’s ARAP scheme, having worked for the British Government in Kabul or as interpreters in Helmand.
Already refugee support organisations in Derby, churches and the national “Welcome Churches” are working together to ensure people are welcomed and helped.
How can you help?
- Upbeat Communities (one of the refugee charities in Derby) have launched a Just Giving page. By receiving financial donations they are able to be flexible in providing immediate support and make plans for support in the coming weeks. For details go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/UpbeatCommunitiesAfghanAppeal
- A list of urgently needed items will be published as soon as possible. DRS (Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity) are always happy to receive donations for their work with refugees including those from Afghanistan. For further information go to www.derbyshirerefugeesolidarity.org.
- Meanwhile we are invited to contact our MP to ensure the Government commits to its promise to resettle more Afghan refugees along with those currently here in the UK who are not part of the resettlement scheme and some of whom may be being held in detention centres
A Prayer for Afghanistan (Christian Aid)
O God of mercy and peace,
We hold before you the peoples of Afghanistan.
Be living bread to those who are hungry each day
Be healing and wholeness to those who have no access to health care amid the ravages of the pandemic.
Be their true home to all who have been displaced
Be open arms of loving acceptance to those who fear because of their gender, ethnicity, religious or political views
Be peace to those engaged in armed conflict and those who live within its shadow.
Turn our hearts and minds to your gentle ways of just and gentle peace,
Open our eyes to see you in all acts of compassionate care
Strengthen our hearts to step out in solidarity with your suffering people and
Hold us all in your unfailing love.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself of all but love in order to bring life in all its fullness.
Amen
This prayer was written by Ramani Leathard, Christian Aid’s Head of Region for South East Asia and Afghanistan.
For more points for prayer go to www.christianaid.org.uk and click on Prayer for Afghanistan
Maureen Priddin
Derby Cathedral and Derby City of Sanctuary network
“proud to welcome and support those seeking sanctuary in Derby and Derbyshire"
