Christ Church, Hulland has received a Bronze Eco Church award after 12 months of work.

The award entailed working through the online survey of environmentally friendly actions in five areas: worship, church building, land, community & global engagement and lifestyle. 

They chose actions that were suitable for their church and didn’t require financial outlay. Four of the initiatives carried out included:

• A collection point in the church porch for empty medication blister packs. The packs are taken for recycling instead of ending up in land fill. The money raised is donated to Marie Curie. This has proven so popular that people from the village are engaged and visiting the church which strengthens the diocese vision to build communities.
• Displaying notices by the benches in the churchyard to encourage people to use the churchyard for peaceful contemplation.
• Registering as a Fairtrade church, meaning they use fairly traded products where possible and promote Fairtrade. A community event was held over Fairtrade Fortnight with Fairtrade stalls and publications, as well as showcasing village community groups. Eco-friendly activities were provided for children and an eco-quiz produced food for thought for adults.  Money was raised both for Tearfund to tackle issues resulting from climate change and the DEC Ukraine appeal.
• The Christ Church weekly newsletter always contains an eco-tip.

Penny Northall, Eco Church lead and PCC member of Christ Church, Hulland, said: “I would like to thank our Rector, Revd Phil Michell, and the PCC for being so supportive in this eco-church endeavour. 

"We are excited to now be working towards a silver award.”

>> Become an Eco Church

Stella Collishaw, Community Action Officer at the Diocese of Derby, said: “I am so pleased that Christ Church Hulland has engaged in the Eco Church scheme, and we are making progress as a diocese even in anxious times.

"This parish has brought people of all ages from the local community on board.

"It is helpful to know that they have tackled it from their own starting point, building on what they already do: mission giving, recycling and activities for children.

"It is so fabulous to see them taking on this challenge.

"If anyone needs encouragement to join in, take heart from this example, and be in touch with me for help if you need it.”

Faith leaders representing the majority of communities in Derby and Derbyshire gathered in Derby Cathedral on Sunday to pray together and show support for the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities everywhere.

The leaders included representatives of Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Quaker communities.

They also lit candles and signed a Book of Solidarity.

A group of musicians from the Ukrainian community led a performance of some traditional Ukrainian music.

Among the leaders was the Very Revd Father David Senyk, Parish Priest of Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derby, who spoke about the challenges faced by the Ukrainian community and the very real sense of fear and horror faced by all Ukrainians. 

>> See photos from the Vigil for Ukraine at Derby Cathedral

He said: "Most of all I want to thank you for your love... for the love you have shown in many different ways.

"The response and support of the British public to the horrors of war going on in Ukraine has been nothing short of tremendous.

"As a Ukrainian community in Derby, we have been overwhelmed with people reaching out with words of comfort and offers of help in various forms."

The Very Revd Father David Senyk spoke of the effects the war in Ukraine has had on Ukrainians everywhere

And speaking after the hour-long vigil, the Very Reverend Doctor Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: "It was a privilege for Derby Cathedral to host the event and to take part in something that we will remember for many years to come.

"Thank you to everyone who made a contribution to the readings, prayers, reflections and music which all wove together to make the vigil work so well. 

"It was a very precious and humbling moment for so many faith representatives and members of all communities to gather before God to pray and show their support for everyone who is affected by this terrible crisis."

Sunday's vigil was organised with the support of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Derby branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, and co-ordinated by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre.

Faith leaders and representatives at the vigil included:

Burhaan Ishmail Khandia, Muslim representative

Dr Hardial Singh Dhillon, the Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara, Derby

Mr Shain Bali, Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan, Derby

Eve Sacker, Interfaith Representative, Nottingham Liberal Synagogue

Iryna Dobrowolskyj, Chair of the Ukrainian Community Association, Derby Branch

Joe Kupranec and musicians

Melvin Harris and Alan Barker, Quaker Religious Society of Friends, Nottingham and Derbyshire

The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby

The Right Reverend Patrick Joseph McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham

The Very Revd Father David Senyk, Parish Priest of Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derby.

 Also present were Colonel John S Wilson OBE DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Derbyshire, and Councillor Alan Grimadell, Deputy Mayor of Derby.

>> See photos from the Vigil for Ukraine at Derby Cathedral

The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has announced the three archdeacons who will help oversee and shape ministry in the Diocese of Derby. 

The Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire will be the Reverend Matthew Trick.

Matthew is currently the Vicar of Ringwood with Ellingham & Harbridge and St Leonards & St Ives and Assistant Area Dean of Christchurch Deanery in the Diocese of Winchester.

He will have responsibility for parishes in the City of Derby and South Derbyshire, from Quarndon and Breadsall in the north to Netherseal and Lullington in the south.

Matthew will champion mission and ministry in city and urban contexts throughout the diocese. 

>> Meet Archdeacon-designate Matthew 

 
The Archdeacon of East Derbyshire will be the Reverend Canon Karen Hamblin.

Karen is currently the Priest-in-Charge of Brampton St Mark, in Chesterfield, and Area Dean for North East Derbyshire.

She will have responsibility for parishes in the eastern region of the diocese, from Dronfield and Eckington in the north to Sawley and Long Eaton in the south, including Chesterfield.

Karen will champion mission and ministry in emerging and transitional communities across the whole diocese. 

>> Meet Archdeacon-designate Karen

And the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales will be the Venerable Carol Coslett.

Carol has served as the Archdeacon of Chesterfield for the past four years.

She will have responsibility for the western region of the diocese, from Hadfield and Glossop in the north to Sudbury and Egginton in the south, and as champion for rural and market town mission and ministry in the diocese. 

>> Meet Archdeacon Carol 

On making the appointments, Bishop Libby said: “I am very excited by the energy, experience, expertise and commitment the new archdeacons will bring to their roles. 

“They are all passionate about ‘everyday faith’ and bring understanding of the complexities and opportunities of parish ministry, and of the opportunities and challenges in aspects of mission and ministry that are not parish specific. 

“They also have the capacity to think and work on a wider canvas with flair and imagination and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity.

"I am looking forward to working with them as we commit ourselves to joining in with what God is doing in transforming lives through growing church and building community. 

“Please keep Matthew, Karen and Carol in your prayers as they navigate their new roles and responsibilities.” 

The new archdeacons are expected to formally take up their new roles in early June. 

The appointments come as the diocese embarks on a process of transformation to shape structures, sustain resources and equip people for mission.

Part of this process is the move from two archdeaconries to three, which will legally come into effect on 6 June 2022. 

New archdeaconry areas

The three new archdeaconry areas, which will legally come into being on 6 June 2022, have been shaped to reflect the significant missional contexts of our diocese, serving our rural, urban, and emerging post-industrial communities.  

The shaping of the new archdeaconries better reflects the different demographic and cultural contexts of our diocese, but each is diverse and complex with a mixture of communities and experience.  

The statutory responsibilities of the archdeacons will be delivered within their geographical boundaries, and, in addition, they will champion the demographic predominant in their respective archdeaconries across the whole diocese:  

• The Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire includes our largest urban context, and Archdeacon-designate Matthew Trick will champion mission and ministry in all urban contexts across the whole
• The Archdeaconry of East Derbyshire encompasses many emerging and changing post-industrial communities, and Archdeacon-designate Karen Hamblin will champion mission and ministry in such contexts across the whole diocese
• The Archdeaconry of Derbyshire Peak and Dales is largely rural with market town communities, and the Venerable Carol Coslett (currently Archdeacon of Chesterfield) will champion mission and ministry in such contexts across the diocese. 

  Meet Matthew Trick

The Reverend Matthew Trick:
Archdeacon-designate of Derby City and South Derbyshire

Currently Vicar of Ringwood with Ellingham & Harbridge and St Leonards & St Ives and Assistant Area Dean of Christchurch Deanery in the Diocese of Winchester.

I am excited to be joining the Diocese of Derby and working towards our shared vision: The Kingdom of God, Good News for All and serving the people of the diocese in faith, hope and love.  

Being new to both the diocese and Derbyshire, I look forward to getting out and about early on, meeting ordained and lay colleagues and discovering the churches and communities of Derby City and South Derbyshire - so please get your invitations in! 

I was born in South Wales and am a proud Welshman who for the last decade has lived and ministered in England.  

I am married to Sarah, a chartered accountant, and have two young children: Izzy aged 6 and Henry aged 3.  

I started attending St Illtyds Church, Llantwit Major, aged 16 and the warmth of welcome and community persuaded me to stay.  

I came to personal faith in Jesus Christ on an Alpha Course at St Mikes Church, Aberystwyth, where I studied as an undergraduate.  

Prior to ordination I worked for Lloyds TSB in their Business Banking division.   

I trained for ordination at the then St Michael’s College, Llandaff, Cardiff and found it deeply enriching to train alongside baptist and methodist students. My ordained ministry has encompassed affluent market towns with connected suburban and rural communities, areas of significant deprivation and major new housing developments.

Ecumenism has shaped my ministry to date both informally through local Churches Together groups and formally as the Minister of a four-way LEP. 

For the last couple of years, I have been an assistant area dean working with ordained and lay colleagues and diocesan senior staff to develop collegiately and mission across Christchurch Deanery.  
 
I believe Jesus transforms individuals and communities through local churches, and my passion is releasing churches to be agents of the Kingdom of God, growing the common good in their communities.

Academically I am interested in Anglican Social Theology and Christian leadership and am currently undertaking a Masters in Theology & Ministry with Cranmer Hall, Durham.

I am a Novice of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis and the words of God to St Francis "Go and rebuild my church” have been a source of inspiration for my ministry.  
 
Having always lived by the sea, our move to Derby will be only the second time we have been land-locked, but with so much to explore we are looking forward to getting out and walking in the diocese.  

Sarah and I are foodies and look forward to sharing food and fellowship with ordained and lay colleagues.

Balancing the demands of ministry with family life is important to us, and as a family we are no strangers to soft play centres and other family attractions. 

  Meet Karen Hamblin

The Reverend Canon Karen Hamblin:
Archdeacon-designate of East Derbyshire

Currently Priest-in-charge of Brampton St Mark and Area Dean of Northeast Derbyshire in the Diocese of Derby.

I am excited about working with people, churches and communities across the new archdeaconry wherever they are: in workplaces, in schools, at home and in churches to see God’s Kingdom come more and more.

I relish the challenge and I know that God will highlight priorities and will go ahead of me as together we try to work more effectively, growing what we already have and developing new ways of being church to reach new, emerging and transitioning communities.  

I was born in London and grew up with the Salvation Army as a backdrop to my life as both sets of grandparents were officers and we were involved as a family.

We moved to Dorset when I was 15, which is where I met my future husband, Andy (and also where I became an Anglican). Andy and I have three adult children and are blessed with a six-year-old granddaughter.  

After going to the University of Durham, I moved to Derby in 1983 to start a career in teaching, but I also started working in local churches, including St Alkmund’s, where I became Children’s and Youth Worker and then a lay member of the leadership team.

It was there that I had my lightbulb moment as I believe I heard God ask me to be ordained.

It took a while to persuade me, but it was time to move.  

So off I went to study at St John’s Nottingham; I was ordained in 2007 and served my curacy in Long Eaton.

And so began my priestly journey – both spiritually and also literally up the M1 as in 2011 I became Team Vicar of Pilsley in the North Wingfield team and, in 2016, Priest-in-charge at Brampton St Mark’s in Chesterfield and Area Dean of North East Derbyshire.

I had started at Junction 25 and ended up at Junction 29!  

Maybe then there is a sense of fulfilment that I will now serve as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, an area defined to an extent by the M1 corridor, with a rich mining and industrial heritage, but with areas of deprivation, emergence and transition alongside rural ones - a real mixture full of life, challenge and possibility. 

For me, faith is about knowing that I am totally loved and accepted and that, despite all my imperfections, God chooses to set his hope in me as I serve and work with Him and for Him alongside others.

Our lives, our churches and communities need the hope that He alone can bring. 

I am passionate about the environment, and I love growing vegetables.

I enjoy a good walk and live in one of the best counties for doing that (but I do love the coast as well, so sometimes walk there!) I love spending time with family, who live reasonably close, and any spare time gets used reading modern fiction, sewing, cooking, seeing friends or just chilled in front of the TV.  

What lights me up more than anything else as a follower of Jesus, and as a leader, is prayerfully helping to connect things: people, places, situations, stories and then stepping back to see God's Spirit at work, bringing fresh life – new possibilities, new & renewed relationships growing and flourishing under His care and direction. 

Let’s do that together and see God's Kingdom come more and more amongst us. 

  Meet Carol Coslett

The Venerable Carol Coslett:
Archdeacon-designate of Derbyshire Peak and Dales

Currently Archdeacon of Chesterfield in the Diocese of Derby.

I am hugely looking forward to deepening my relationship with the north-western area of the diocese as well as getting to know the south-western area better. And I am blessed to be working in some of the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire. 

More than anything, I am privileged to be working with wonderful people and communities the length of the west side of the diocese (though I will miss the north-eastern deaneries that I have also been working in for the past four years). 

But beautiful towns, pretty villages and wonderful people do not mean that the Derbyshire Peak and Dales doesn’t have its share of problems and challenges. 

Rural communities, particularly farming communities, often suffer from the effects of isolation; they are more prone to the devasting effects of climate change and economic uncertainty. 

I see myself being the eyes and ears of the bishop in the archdeaconry, its parishes and in rural communities throughout the diocese – helping to work out problems, supporting communities, assisting with strategies and looking after church buildings and legalities.  

This archdeaconry welcomes most of the county's 45 million visitors a year. It is largely rural and home to the nation’s first National Park. County and borough councils are in Matlock and Buxton, and other market towns are significant in local life.  

Whilst Inherited models of mission and ministry continue to be fruitful and greatly treasured, there is also appetite to discover new and complementary ways to grow church and build community for residents and visitors.  

One of the priorities must be to work together to ensure the Church stays fit for the future and I hope to support the churches and one another in the community and build our Church for the next generation.  

If we are to leave a wonderful legacy for those who come after us, we have to nurture the church family to meet the needs of people we are serving. 

I joined the Diocese of Derby from the Diocese of Southwark, where I served as a parish priest and acting archdeacon. 

And having been a teacher before my ordination in 2003, I also enjoy and intend to spend time in schools.  

I am married to Martyn and we have two grown-up children.  

Away from work, I enjoy swimming, baking and walking as well as amateur dramatics and singing. 

Derby Cathedral will host a public interfaith vigil for Ukraine on Sunday, 3rd April.

Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Quaker representatives are scheduled to speak at the vigil which starts at 3pm, and everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to light a candle, reflect in silence and sign the Book of Solidarity.

The vigil has been organised with the support of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Derby branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain,, and co-ordinated by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre.

Peter Robinson, the Dean of Derby said: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension.

"This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution.

"The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good."

According to research carried out by the International Organisation for Migration between 9 and 16 March, the United Nations refugee agency estimates ten million people have now fled their homes in Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. As well as the 3.6 million who have left for neighbouring countries, another estimated 6.5 million people are thought to be displaced inside the war-torn country itself.

Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby Cathedral comments: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension. This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution. The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good".

Around ten faiths will be represented at the vigil, a hugely significant moment for both cathedral and city.

Dr Vivekanand Sharma, Temple Priest at Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan in Derby, said: “The suffering and pain of the Ukrainian people is felt by the Hindu Community and we sincerely pray that a lasting solution to the current crisis is found very soon and life returns to as normal as could be under the circumstances. On behalf of the Hindu Temple and Membership, we pray for peace and tolerance in Ukraine”.

Chief Imam, Mufti Hafiz Fazal Ahmed Qadri from Derby Jamia Mosque, said: "We believe there's power in prayer. We're not going to change the course of events, but we can certainly express our pain and our commiseration with the people of Ukraine.

"We stand united with all those affected by war and conflict in Ukraine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and many other places around the world."

The Archdeacons of the Diocese of Derby will hold the following Visitations in 2026. 
These will all begin at 7.30 pm, with doors opening at 6.45 pm for refreshments and for wardens to sign the register.

Derby City and South Derbyshire

Derby City: Wednesday, 10 June 2026 - St Matthew’s, Darley Abbey, DE22 1EY

Mercia: Monday, 15 June 2026 - St Michael’s, Melbourne, DE73 8JH

Derbyshire Peak and Dales

Peak: Tuesday, 30 June 2026 - St John the Baptist, Tideswell SK17 8LQ

Dove and Derwent: Tuesday, 7 July 2026 - St Peter’s, Belper, DE56 1EZ

Carsington: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 - Christ Church, Holloway, Matlock DE4 5JP

East Derbyshire

North East Derbyshire: Tuesday, 16 June 2026 - St John’s Church, Back Lane, Walton, Chesterfield S42 7LT

South East Derbyshire: Thursday, 25 June 2026 - St Mary's Ilkeston, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5HY

Hardwick: Wednesday, 8 July 2026 - St Barnabas Church and Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield S45 9BU

Nomination for Churchwarden form

Notice of a meeting for the election of churchwardens

>> CW01 Notice of Church Warden election [Word]

>> CW02 Nomination for Church Warden [Word]

Attendance by all elected Churchwardens at a Visitation

There are eight visitation services available across the diocese. Wardens are encouraged to attend a service that is most convenient for them. While it’s possible to attend a visitation service outside of your designated area, this must be noted on the registration form. However, it is preferred that wardens attend a service in their own deanery or within their archdeaconry if that is not feasible.

If a warden does not attend a visitation service, they will not be admitted as a churchwarden unless special arrangements are made with the relevant Archdeacon’s PA.

Any such special arrangements will need to have been processed by Friday, 28 August 2026. Please note that if special arrangements are needed, this adds significantly to the DBF costs so please make every effort to attend a visitation service.

The Archdeacons will be available after the service and will be very happy to speak with any wardens (especially those who are taking on the responsibility for the first time).

We appreciate your co-operation in attending these important services.

>> Citation dates 2026 (word)

>> Visitation 2026: Notes for Clergy / PCC Secretaries (word)

Certificate of Election

After the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, churchwardens are required to complete the visitation form.

Multiple Wardens: For churches where more than one warden is elected, please print and complete one form for each warden.

The completed form(s) should be returned by email to: Visitations@derby.anglican.org

Alternatively, forms can be posted to: Archdeacons’ Office, Derby Church House, Full Street, Derby, DE1 3DR.

If a Lay Chair is also to be sworn in as churchwarden, it is important that the election of churchwardens is chaired by someone other than the Lay Chair. (e.g. Area Dean, PCC Treasurer or member of the clergy). The person chairing the election should complete and sign the section of the certificate designated for the incumbent.

Thank you for ensuring the timely and accurate submission of your form.

>> Certificate of Election 2026 (word)

Data Forms - New Wardens

To ensure that we have accurate and up-to-date information for all new wardens, we kindly ask that all NEW wardens complete and return the data form along with their certificate of election.

>> Data Form 2026 (word)

See also

» All about APCMs

» Resources for churchwardens

We have all been shocked and moved by the unfolding crisis in Ukraine and many people are looking for ways they can help.

You won't be surprised to hear that the vast majority of parishes in the Diocese of Derby have initiated some form of appeal to help the people of Ukraine who are suffering so much - the latest figures from the Disasters Emergency Committee estimate that around 2.5 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in their homeland.

It is thought that more than 18 million people will be affected by the conflict.

We are receiving scores of questions about whether empty rooms in parsonages - and vacant parsonages - can be offered to house Ukrainian refugees.

The Church of England is expected to offer guidance on this issue at the end of this week.

Meanwhile, the C of E has produced a toolkit for churches responding to the crisis in Ukraine [PDF] and some advice on the Homes For Ukraine Scheme.

Further guidance can be found here.

Donations

Many agencies are now saying that transporting donations of goods to Ukraine and the neighbouring countries who are receiving refugees is not cost effective and impractical with many lorries now backed up at borders and unable to deliver.

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, stand with the Archbishops of Canterbury and York in condemning the invasion of Ukraine and calling for prayers for all those affected.

In a joint statement, the archbishops said: "The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.  

“Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.  

"We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long term agreements for stability and lasting peace.

“We invite Christians to make this Sunday a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace. 

“We also give our support to the call from Pope Francis for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2.”

>> Download: A prayer for the crisis in Ukraine - from 24-7 Prayer [.zip folder]

For those of you who may have been considering fundraising or other personal support but are unsure how to direct this, one of several new humanitarian appeals is open at https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal

What is the 2027 Community of Prayer?

We are the Diocese of Derby network of prayer – praying together, as we prepare to celebrate our centenary in 2027, for transformed lives in growing church and building community the length and breadth of our diocese.

Our shared prayer across the diocese is the frame that holds us together as God weaves the threads of our lives, our worship, witness and work for Christ, into something beautiful.

We hope that over the next five years 2027 people will commit to regular prayer, as individuals, and as churches, groups or schools.

Why join the 2027 Community of Prayer?

Our Christian lives begin and end in prayer: in prayer the Spirit unites us to God and to one another; in prayer we are changed ever more into the likeness of Christ; in prayer we are equipped for our Heavenly Father’s service.

Being rooted in prayer nourishes our shared values of generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love. Prayer is essential as we engage afresh in living out the 5 Marks of Mission – to tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure – in response to the vision God has given us of the Kingdom of God as good news for all.

Prayer is a demonstration of our love and commitment to all the people and places of our diocese in Derbyshire, the city of Derby, and beyond.

Who can join the 2027 Community of Prayer?

Anyone can join - everyone who wants to be part of this movement of prayer. We pray for God’s Kingdom to come in our diocese – please join us.

You can become a Companion of the 2027 Community of Prayer as an individual, and as a church or group, or as a school.

As a 2027 Community of Prayer Companion (individual), you commit yourself to praying the Lord’s Prayer, the diocesan Vision Prayer and for those on the diocesan Cycle of Prayer every day. We may also occasionally suggest other relevant prayers that you may like to use.

As a 2027 Community of Prayer Church, and commit your worshipping context (in parish church, chaplaincy, BMO, fresh expression, church plant or other congregation) to praying the Lord’s Prayer, the diocesan Vision Prayer and for those on the diocesan Cycle of Prayer at least weekly. We may also occasionally suggest other relevant prayers that you may like to use.

As a 2027 Community of Prayer School, you commit to praying the Lord’s Prayer, the diocesan Vision Prayer and for those on the diocesan Cycle of Prayer every week. We may also occasionally suggest other relevant prayers that you may like to use.

We will also occasionally keep you updated with other prayer resources as part of your daily or monthly email.

How do I join the 2027 Community of Prayer

Simply use this form to register your membership, and also to register for emails for the Cycle of Prayer if you would like to receive it.

Please note: If, after a while, you can't find any emails you have requested, please check your spam folder.

Other prayer resources

If you want to go further in prayer we have resources for all ages and contexts, and information about prayer events for you to use and join in with.

How we use your data:

If you register as a member of the 2027 Prayer Community, we will use your data only for the purpose of administering the community and for informing you of developments in the community, such as when the community reaches milestones, and quiet days.

By opting to receive the Cycle of Prayer (either monthly or daily) you are consenting to us sending you emails on that basis, solely for that purpose, and for occasionally including in those emails other prayer resources that are relvant to the 2027 Prayer Community. 

Your email address will not be shared with any third party or added to any other mailing list as a result of you consenting to recieve the Cycle of Prayer.

Vision Prayer

Gracious God,

in your mercy and for your glory,

renew us, reshape us, revive us –

with generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love –

that, in transformed lives through growing church and building community,

we may see your Kingdom come and be good news for all.

Amen.

Three new canons have been collated and installed at Derby Cathedral. 

Revd Patrick Coleman, Vicar of All Saints Chesterfield (The Crooked Spire) andSt Leonard's (Mission Church) Spital, and Revd Julian Hollywell, Vicar of St Werburgh Spondon, Priest-in-charge of St Mark Derby and St Philip Chaddesden, and Minister Responsible at St Andrew with St Osmund Derby were installed as honorary canons, and Emily Brailsford, Derby Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union and Project Officer at Rural Action Derbyshire, was installed as a lay canon.

The three new canons were collated in a special Evensong led by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby.

>> See photos from the installation service [on Flickr]

Canon Emily Brailsford

Emily has three children and her first and most important role is always a a mother.

As her children have grown, Emily's role within her home church of St Giles, Matlock, has also grown and developed.

For many years she has delivered Sunday School and also a monthly fun club.

Later, as her children grew older, Emily took some time for herself so that she was able to attend the Lay Reader training.

For some time, she worked to develop a network of support groups for parents of children with additional needs.

When the children were settled in school, Emily worked with Derbyshire Agricultural Chaplaincy, working with Revd Alan Griggs.

This was an amazing experience for her, but hard work trying to bring young people to the Lord.

On the 15th of January this year, Emily was commissioned as the President of Mothers' Union, Derby, at the Cathedral, Emily feels that the Mothers' Union is also a huge part of her ministry.

Through prayer and loving-kindness, the Mothers' Union touches the lives of many people.

In Derbyshire, they work with many of the women's refuges to try and prevent violence against women and girls.

They also raise money to help the work of those who tackle modern slavery and as a new initiative this year they are going to tackle period poverty, particularly amongst the homeless.

Emily's favourite passage of the Bible is in Revelation 21:4 where we are told that there will be no more pain or crying as the old things have passed away. She thinks that this is a great

reminder for us moving forwards after the last few years!

Canon Patrick Coleman

In July of 2022, Patrick will have been Vicar of Chesterfield for eight years.

The role involves being a parish priest and a great deal more, and this ensures that there is never a dull moment, and absolutely no chance of getting bored.

Patrick has also been a curate and chaplain in the Roman Catholic Church; diocesan CME officer; part of various diocesan and provincial committees and boards; chaired community enterprises and organisations; studied languages, philosophy, theology, history, taught the latter in a downtown comprehensive school; church organist and choir member.

He has done these in places as diverse as South Wales, Rome, Varese (northern Italy) and Munich.

Patrick has also been active in supporting the work of the Church in the Highveld (South Africa) and Niassa (northern Mozambique). 

He has brought persistence and perseverance to the various complex issues faced in all these various roles, and he has always aimed at an astringent and critical loyalty to all with whom he has worked.

He has a creative mind, and hopes to bring both experience and creativity, with no holds barred, to his role in the life of the cathedral.

In any spare time left after being a parish priest and rescuer of Border Collies, Patrick enjoys music, reading, food, wine, Alfa Romeos, and classic buses.

Canon Julian Hollywell

Julian is the Vicar of Spondon and the priest with responsibility for the parishes of St Mark, Derwent, St Philip, Chaddesden and St Osmund with St Andrew, Wilmorton.

In these parishes he holds responsibility for inherited church and works alongside excellent pioneering colleagues developing new missional opportunities and planting churches.

Julian has served for many years in the diocese as a member of the Vocations Team and also as a National Selector.

He is a member of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for church buildings and Vice Chair of the Business Committee of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

He is Chair of the House of Clergy of the Diocesan Synod, a member of Bishop's Council and a member of the General Synod where he helped produce the legislation that led to the Well-being Covenant.

Julian is also a member of the well-being group in the diocese.

He is an ambassador for Inclusive Church and a National Trustee of the Open Table Network. He is a trustee, board member and safeguarding lead of the Derbyshire YMCA.

Julian previously worked as a diocesan officer in the Manchester and Liverpool dioceses, focussing on estates and urban mission.

Honorary canons serve the bishop, the cathedral and the whole of the diocese acting as a ’two way’ ambassador for the cathedral.

They have an outward facing role involving listening, sharing stories and promoting the cathedral across the diocese and helping the cathedral to listen to the wider diocese.

Acting as representatives of the cathedral at local licensings/institutions, they welcome people new to the diocese into relationship with the cathedral.

Honorary canons are part of the cathedral’s College of Canons which is a body that is able to reflect theologically on the place of the cathedral in the life, mission and ministry of the diocese and its contribution.

They currently meet two or three times a year to discuss how the cathedral is approaching its vocation theologically, tactically and strategically.

They are a significant part of the cathedral community, whether present or not, and are welcome to join in any aspects of the cathedral’s life, worship and ministry.

These guidelines, published in February 2026, are closely based on a national template that has recently been published. The churchyard regulations set out the process by which churchyard memorials may be approved and related matters such as what items may be left on a person’s grave.

The churchyard regulations are accompanied by two companion documents and a new application form.

The Handbook for the Bereaved is designed to be given out on a pastoral visit following a bereavement or to others enquiring about erecting a memorial.

The Handbook for Incumbents is a guide to clergy on how the churchyard regulations work.

The new churchyard regulations come into force on Ash Wednesday, 18 February, 2026. After that point, you should please refer to the new regulations, form and guidance notes. However, you may continue to accept and use for a period of 3 months (ie until 18 May 2026 applications made on the old forms).

The main changes to the churchyard regulations and application form are:

• · To provide more latitude to incumbents when exercising discretion
• · To bring them in line with a national model
• · To require monumental masons to sign the application form.

Questions about the new regulations and related matters may be directed to your archdeacon or the diocesan registrar.

The documents are available to download:

>> Churchyard Regulations 2026 (Word)

>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for Incumbents (booklet version suitable for printing)

>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for Incumbents (online version)

>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for the Bereaved (booklet version suitable for printing)

>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for the Bereaved (online version)

>> Memorial application form