Derby Cathedral welcomed people from all over the diocese on Sunday 5 October for the second Bishop's Badge service.

This special service celebrates ministry and service in the church and the community. The Bishop of Derby’s Badges presented recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing in Jesus’ name to the mission of the church. The service was led by the Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. The Reflection was given by the Right Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. Music for the service is sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir. 

Awards for Missional Innovation

Jane Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Keith Brown, St Peter, Hope

Steve Burton, St Edmund, Allestree

Mandy Cairns, Gresley 

Sue Leese, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Michael Lilley, Stanton in Peak

David Stuart, St Francis, Mackworth

Sue Stubbs, Gresley 

Lucy Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Helen Walker-Foss, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Edlaston, Ednaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington

Awards for Missional Service

Susan Abbott, Bolsover Parish Church

David Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Cheryl Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Paul Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Tony Betteridge, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Adrian Blanksby, St John the Evangelist, Newbold with Dunston

David Brierley, St Matthew, Darley Abbey

Jane Burton, St Edmund, Allestree

David Chinn, Brimington 

Ann Cleaver, St John, Walton

Anne Cogley, St Edmund, Allestree

Jennifer Crump, St Giles, Killamarsh

Sue Duffill, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Roger Easton, St Mark’s Church, Winshill

Sheila Exley, All Saints, Ockbrook 

Francine Franklin, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood

Joan Garrett, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Sue Goodhall, St Lawrence, Great Barlow

John Gratton, The Parish of St Matthew

Jerry Haynes, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Katrina Hayward, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills

Doreen Hickman, Sinfin Moor Benefice

Richard Hughes, The Parish of St Matthew

Michael Joyce, St Mary and St Lawrence, Bolsover

Patricia Kellogg, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood

Janet Leigh, Christ Church, Belper

Joyce Lewis, Kirk Hallam

Janet Love, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Margie Martindale, St Michael, Sutton-on-the-Hill

Ann Morton, St Matthew, Renishaw

Kevin Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Lesley Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Lisa Ollerenshaw, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Vicki Owen, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Andrew Pollett, Christ Church, Belper

Frances Prockter, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

Barbara Rawson, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

John Richardson, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills

Beth Robson-Smith, St Thomas and St Mark, Brampton

Andrew Rosser, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Lindsey Schroeter, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Samantha Sharland, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Helen Shaw, St Lawrence, Great Barlow

Michael Shepherd, St Anne, Derby

Judith Slater, Sawley 

John Smart, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Frank Stevens, St Anne's, Derby

Muriel Stirland, Brimington 

Simon Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Carl Veal, St Peter, Chellaston

Allan Voice, St John the Baptist, Ault Hucknall

Chris Willis, St Edmund, Allestree

Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington

Photos from this service are available here 

In September, Bishop Malcolm visited Sinfin Moor church for a special tree planting service to help celebrate the installation of solar panels and their commitment to a sustainable future. 

The church paid for the panels with help from the Church of England's 'Give to Go Green' initiative. What began as a spark of vision in Lent 2022 has now blossomed into a vibrant eco-journey, with the whole congregation and wider community coming together to make it happen.

Revd Gael Browne, Assistant Curate at Sinfin Moor Church shares their experience:

Our story began in Lent 2022, when, as a church, we explored the book "Embracing Justice" by Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley. One session on climate justice particularly challenged us, and a retired member of clergy in our congregation, the Revd Eileen Bangay, felt deeply that she had heard from God regarding our call to creation care as a church.

With Melanie (steward) and Joshua (Church Warden) forming a small team alongside Revd Eileen, we took our first step by registering with A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme in early 2023.

Momentum quickly built, and by that summer, community groups such as the Guides and Rangers were joining us in eco-focused activities. In June 2023, we were delighted to receive the Silver Eco Church Award, as well as the Bronze retrospectively.

Spurred on by this momentum, our vision continued to grow. By August 2023, we began researching the possibility of installing solar panels. As we are an LEP (Local Ecumenical Partnership), we were able to approach our various denominational partners for support. In early 2025, we received confirmation of successful grant applications from the Methodist Church and the URC Church. This was a huge encouragement that our dream of using more sustainable energy could become a reality.

The real breakthrough came in May 2025, when we joined the Church of England’s 'Give to Go Green' scheme. With encouragement and visits from our Diocesan Parish Support Officers, we set out to raise £5,000 in just six weeks so that match-funding could be unlocked. Through coffee mornings, a beetle drive, a sponsored Bible reading, and a shared lunch, our congregation and community rallied together, and we reached our goal!

Wendy, a member of the congregation, says:

“I love the fact that Sinfin Moor Church has taken responsibility for installing Solar Panels to help reduce the greenhouse effect. It is a great witness to the surrounding community as to how much we care for Father God's creation.”

By August 2025, the solar panels and battery system were installed. In our very first week, we were already feeding energy back into the national grid; a visible sign of stewardship and sustainability in action. 

This has been a journey of faith, community, and determination. We wanted to respond to God’s distinct call to care for creation, and it has been amazing to see people inside and outside the church joining together to make this vision a reality.

As the psalmist reminds us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Installing solar panels is just one way of living out our calling to steward God’s world faithfully.

With lower bills, greener energy, and a renewed witness to our community, we pray that our journey will encourage other churches across the Diocese to explore the Eco Church path and seize the opportunities offered by initiatives like 'Give to Go Green'.

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby today reflected on the announcement of The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury

“I am delighted that Bishop Sarah has been nominated as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. I have long valued her as a colleague, and I look forward to serving with her as she leads the Church of England and the Anglican Communion in the coming years. 

I am grateful for all the gifts and experience she brings from her work before ordination as Chief Nursing Officer, and the rich episcopal ministry she has offered in both the Diocese of Exeter and latterly serving with humility and courage the diverse communities that make up the Diocese of London. She will be a huge blessing to the wider Church and the nation as our next Archbishop.

This is a significant moment for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Church; please join me in praying for Sarah and her family as she takes on the enormous challenges and responsibilities of archbishop ministry.”

His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Downing Street has announced.

Bishop Sarah will be the first woman to hold the office. 

She will be installed in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. Sarah Mullally has been the Bishop of London since 2018, the first woman appointed to that role, and before that was Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Prior to her ordination in 2001, she was the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England – the youngest person ever to be appointed to that role at the age of 37 – having previously specialised as a cancer nurse. Bishop Sarah has described nursing as "an opportunity to reflect the love of God".

The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for Canterbury nominated Bishop Sarah following a process of public consultation and prayerful discernment that began in February this year. The Canterbury CNC was made up of representatives from across the Church of England, global Anglican Communion and the Diocese of Canterbury. 

Bishop Sarah said: “As I respond to the call of Christ to this new ministry, I do so in the same spirit of service to God and to others that has motivated me since I first came to faith as a teenager. 

“At every stage of that journey, through my nursing career and Christian ministry, I have learned to listen deeply – to people and to God’s gentle prompting – to seek to bring people together to find hope and healing.

“I want, very simply, to encourage the Church to continue to grow in confidence in the Gospel, to speak of the love that we find in Jesus Christ and for it to shape our actions. 

“And I look forward to sharing this journey of faith with the millions of people serving God and their communities in parishes all over the country and across the global Anglican Communion. 

“I know this is a huge responsibility but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has.” 

Lord Evans, Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, said: “It has been a great privilege to have chaired the Crown Nominations Commission as it sought to discern who God is calling to lead the Church of England and Anglican Communion as Archbishop of Canterbury. 

“That discernment began with the public consultation, which heard the voices of thousands of people as they expressed their hopes for this nomination, and continued all the way through to the Commission’s final meeting. 

“I would like to thank all those who took part in this process, particularly those who took time to share their views in the consultation and the members of the Commission who worked so diligently over several months, ably assisted by the Appointments Secretaries and by the Appointments and Vocations team at Lambeth Palace. 

“I shall be praying for Bishop Sarah as she prepares to take up this new ministry in the coming months.”   

Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: “I welcome and commend the nomination of Bishop Sarah as the next Archbishop of Canterbury and invite the churches of the global Anglican Communion to pray for her as she prepares to take up this important ministry. 

“May God grant her wisdom and discernment, as she seeks to listen to Member churches, encourage mutual support, and foster unity. 

“The Anglican Communion Office is fully committed to supporting her ministry as she works with other Provinces and the Instruments of the Anglican Communion. 

“Let us pray that God will pour out His Spirit on the Anglican Communion to boldly share Christ's transformational love and the hope of the Gospel in today’s world.”

Read Bishop Libby's response here 

Media reports link the recent increase in national flag displays to concerns about UK migration levels. I understand that migration is a genuine concern for many, including Christians, and I don’t wish to dismiss these anxieties. It’s important to acknowledge that our church communities include first, second and third generation migrants. For Christians seeking to faithfully follow Jesus, reflecting His holiness and partnering in extending God’s Kingdom on earth, the migration debate often overlooks a crucial question: human dignity. In this month’s article, I want to explore how we can balance concerns over UK migration levels with thinking, speaking, and acting in ways that prioritise human dignity.

When addressing such a topical political issue, I recognise that blanket terms like “migration” or “immigration” are problematic. These terms are too broad to properly distinguish between those entering the country by established routes to fill skill shortages, those seeking asylum, and those entering via improvised means. I understand that much of the concern expressed through protests and flag displays relates specifically to the latter. Another challenge of terms such as migrant, ‘illegal’ immigrant, or asylum seeker is the labelling of an individual by their documented or undocumented status. This risks reducing the fullness of a person’s identity, character and life story to a single label, and an often weaponised label too.

Applying our Christian faith to current issues, injustices, and inequalities is central to following Jesus. Our deep faith traditions inspire us to act with consideration for others, especially the vulnerable, poor, and marginalised. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls’ (Jeremiah 6:16). Our faith in Jesus, the Good News of the Gospel, and the biblical vision of God’s Kingdom penetrating our daily lives offers an antidote to the indignity some groups face in our society. I’m making not a political argument but a theological one: while there are legitimate concerns about  migration and the perceived pressure on local communities, our Christian faith calls us to think, speak and act in ways that uphold the dignity of others.

Our faith’s approach to speaking of migrants with dignity begins in Genesis, where we learn that all creation is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Migrants possess inherent worth and dignity not because of our political ideologies or personal opinions, but because they, like all humanity, are made in God’s image. The Bible clearly connects our innate dignity and worth with justice. Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs us, ‘Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.’ Ultimately, we find our dignity in Jesus. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:28 that social and cultural differences do not separate us from our unity in Christ and our common dignity in Him.

Those deeply concerned about migration levels often worry about preserving what they see as solid foundations in society. The underlying suggestion is that high migration levels threaten our British way of life. Before our current  debates, the late Pope Benedict suggested that society’s solid foundations depend on affirming human dignity:

A society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalised.

Across our churches, chaplaincies and fresh expressions in the Diocese of Derby, our vocation must be to promote the innate dignity and self-worth of all people made in God’s image. This doesn’t mean ignoring genuine concerns about migration, but it does mean that how we articulate those concerns matters. Christians are called to point people to Jesus, in whom we discover our common humanity, and to reflect our own dignity in how we welcome others and pray for justice for everyone on earth.

Bless all who seek refuge on this earth.

Meet their needs for safety and for home.

Move the hearts of your people to show them welcome.

Cause wars to cease and bring justice,

to the nations that no one will need to flee again.

Amen.

The Ven Matthew Trick

Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire

 Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, was alive with activity as they marked 200 years since the beginning of the modern railway.

George Stephenson Day took place on Saturday 27 August – the anniversary of the first journey of Locomotion No. 1; the engine Stephenson built in 1825.

That short 26-mile journey from Shildon to Stockton changed the world, opening up travel, trade and opportunity in a way never seen before.

Over 800 visitors walked through the doors of Holy Trinity on the Saturday. Families, railway enthusiasts, local historians and locals came together to learn about George Stephenson, who is buried at Holy Trinity.

A costumed interpreter brought him to life, meeting visitors, posing for photographs and gave talks on “The Railway That Changed the World.”

Revd Jilly Hancock said “There was a wonderful atmosphere all day, full of curiosity, conversation and community spirit. Revd Malcolm Pyatt led a short service of reflection and thanks, and it was a day full of God’s blessing, as we celebrated both our heritage and the people who made it possible. Our hope is that through this project, Stephenson’s legacy and the light of God’s presence in this place, will continue to inspire future generations.”

The celebrations continued on Sunday, with a service of thanksgiving, giving glory to God for the vision, courage and creativity that shaped our modern world.

Among those who attended the service were the Duke of Devonshire, Sir Andrew Haines - Chief Executive of Network Rail, Pam Liversidge - President of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, HM Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt and Mr Tom Ingle.

The service gave thanks not only for George Stephenson but also for the generations of railway workers, miners, engineers and families whose work has shaped Chesterfield’s story.

The weekend formed part of a wider heritage project, supported by a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from East Midlands Railway, Cross Country Rail, the Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors and Holy Trinity Church.

Over the next two years, the project will see Holy Trinity transformed into both a place of worship and a heritage destination, with new interpretation displays, school and community activities and a dedicated visitor space within the church.

As well as celebrating Stephenson’s life and achievements, the project will explore Chesterfield’s wider industrial story, the growth of the town in the Victorian era, the Clay Cross Company and the region’s mining history.

It will also mark 40 years since the Miners’ Strike, providing space to reflect on how industry has shaped our communities and our faith.

Holy Trinity has always been proud of its connection to George Stephenson, but this weekend was a reminder that his story is about more than engineering. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and faith, qualities that still inspire us today.

Featured on the photograph (L-R): HM Lord lieutenant, Sir Andrew Haines, Pam Liversage, Duke of Devonshire, High Sherriff of Derbyshire and his police cadet, Revd Jilly Hancock, Revd Malcolm Pyatt, David Nightingale, Mayor of Liverpool, Mayor of Chesterfield

Our Growing Younger team recently met with Revd James Lee, Team Vicar in the North Wingfield Team about how his team are encouraging families with a new Sunday afternoon service.

Q: Hi James, can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

James: My name is Revd James Lee and since last September, I’ve been Team Vicar in the North Wingfield Team, which is a team of five churches just south of Chesterfield.

Q: What was your motivation for starting your new service? 

James: Of our five churches, four meet on Sunday mornings, but St Barnabas Danesmoor has been a small afternoon congregation for many years, meeting at 5pm. Soon after I started I had a strong sense that there was a brilliant opportunity here for a family-friendly afternoon service for the many families who access the St Barnabas Centre throughout the week. I found that others I spoke to felt the same – and the scale of opportunity was confirmed by seeing 92 people (including nearly 50 children) come to our Christingle service last December.

And so a small team of us began working to launching this new service, which we decided to move to 4pm (as a better time for families) and call ‘St Barnabas@4’.

Q: What does the service look like now? 

James: We launched St Barnabas@4 in February and it’s been a fun roller-coaster ride ever since. If you were to walk in on a Sunday, you’d find us sat round tables in a relaxed style, with paper for drawing/doodling covering each table, with pens, fidget toys and a craft available, as well a play area at the back.

But as you stay, you’ll find that we seek to incorporate many of the normal parts of a regular service – songs, confession, Bible reading, prayers and a short talk – but with a very clear communication that it is ok for children to make noise, run around and play. This has been the most frequent comment from parents – that they’ve been able to come and relax and enjoy it, because they’re not constantly stressing about the noise their child is/could make.

Q: How have you seen your ministry grow? What do you think was the catalyst for this? 

James: We were blown away by having 71 people there on our first week, though I was always aware that ‘regular numbers’ would likely fall off from that. We’ve settled into an average of around 40-45 people each week, about half of whom are children, which is great.

But more than just numbers, it’s been really exciting to see a sense of community and belonging begin to grow – we’ve recently seen our first baptism, with interest in thanksgiving services too. We’re looking to grow our team as well, encouraging people to consider how they might be able to get involved.

As to a catalyst for growth – I think the excellent connections developed over many years at the St Barnabas Centre have been a big part of it, as well as the importance of sharing food together at 5pm each week too! It’s been really encouraging to see people start to invite their own families and friends to come along too!

Q: What is your recent success? 

James: Aside from the blessing of having a baptism a few weeks ago, we’ve had some big highlights over recent months, particularly having a live donkey (and a horse) with us on Palm Sunday and having a big Easter Party with over 100 people coming along!

Q: How has this impacted your wider church community?

James: It’s been an encouragement within our Team of church to see so many children and young people coming along, with St Barnabas going from our smallest congregation to nearly the largest, and is helping us think through what more we can be doing to engage with children and young people across the team.

It’s also given us a closer connection point between the brilliant work of the team at the St Barnabas Centre, and all they do for the community, and St Barnabas Church.

Q: Do you have plans going forward for your current ministry, or anything new starting? 

James: My key watchword for St Barnabas@4 is ‘sustainable’ – it’d be very easy to come in, do a flashy new thing and then fizzle out after six months, but  we’re determined to build something stable and faithful to last for many years to come – still looking to make things good quality and staying fresh, without going in for gimmicks etc.

Our focus at present is building something to last, though we are always considering how to adapt and make things better. Our hope is, in time, to introduce a simple celebration of communion, and explore whether those who attend might be interested in a smaller bible study group. There’s lots of other possibilities too – the challenge is being patient to see what God is calling us into next!

Q: What has challenged you or your team, or continues to challenge you?

James: One of the challenges has been starting with a relatively small team, without a long lead-in time before we launched. But alongside that, it’s been encouraging to see people getting involved in helping out in lots of different ways too.

Also, building community takes time! Many of those who come along have little history of attending church and there are weeks where the number of people there fluctuates a lot, which is normal – I have to keep reminding myself not to judge things solely on numbers!

Q: How would you encourage churches who are thinking of starting out with a children’s or youth ministry? 

James: I would encourage all churches to have ‘Growing Younger’ as a key part of your discussions at PCC and as a church team – to think through what will best enable you to reach children and young people in your area.

Also, have courage to try things! We had no idea how things would go with St Barnabas@4, no idea if anyone would turn up, but we felt this was the opportunity God was leading us towards – so we went for it!

Q: We would love to pray for you, what specifics can we pray for? 

James: Please do pray for us as we continue to get established, for God to be at work to bring more people along, as well as building us into a loving, caring, welcoming community of people who are getting to know Jesus better together. 

Please pray as well for us to continue to find creative and engaging ways to help both adults and young people to be engaging with God’s Word, and to be able to build something that is sustainable for the long term.

Last weekend saw two special services take place to say farewell and thank you to the Venerable Karen Hamblin, as she looks forward to her retirement.

The services were held on Saturday 13th at St John’s church, Walton and on Sunday 14th at Derby Cathedral. 

The special evensong at Derby Cathedral was beautifully sung by the Girls and Lay Clerks of the Cathedral Choir, the first lesson was taken from Isaiah 63.1-16 and the second lesson, read by archdeacon Karen, was Corinthians 1.8-25. Prayers were led by Archdeacon Matthew and Archdeacon Nicky. 

The sermon was taken by Revd Alicia Dring, who reflected on why people are called to ministry.

“A life in ministry is costly and demanding but it is worth every moment to see lives changed, communities built, and hope restored. Karen, I have seen you do this throughout your life. Planting seeds, watering with encouragement and kindness, pruning with love when needed, but always, always encouraging growth.”

She also presented Archdeacon Karen with an olive tree, explaining that Karen often gave olive trees to couples she married as something to grow with them throughout the seasons of their marriage. 

“Here is an olive tree for that next season. One where you continue to share God’s light and love and hope, but maybe now there will be time and space to sit and actually watch things grow rather than having to dash onto the next thing.” 

At the end of the service, Bishop Libby reflected on Karen time in the diocese and how she shown such Generous Faith, Courageous Hope and Life-giving Love. She added that it was appropriate that Karen’s last day in ministry had been spent at the Bishop’s badge service honouring the gifts, ministry, service and mission of the whole people of God across the whole diocese.

Archdeacon Karen was then divested of her Archidiaconal Cope by Archdeacon Matthew and Archdeacon Nicky. The cope was taken to the high alter marking the end of Karen’s role as an Archdeacon. 

Karen was presented with a hamper of goodies and joined guests for refreshments after the service. 

You can watch the service on Derby Cathedral’s YouTube channel here

Photos from the service are here

Rev Ailsa Hunt was ordained as Priest in July this year. We asked her to reflect on her curacy so far, and where she has seen God at work in the communities around her. 

"I started curacy licensed to one church (Kirk Hallam) but am now licensed to five, with my training incumbent Rev Christine French now priest in charge of the West Hallam, Stanley, Stanley Common and Mapperley benefice too. I love the variety which this has brought to my curacy and am grateful to serve in several different contexts.

"I started my curacy holding tight to this verse: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27: 13), and certainly I have seen the Lord’s goodness in too many ways to mention! One example is through a reflective prayer space I ran in a state primary school, during Children’s Mental Health Week. It was themed around Psalm 139: 14, helping the children to think about words of affirmation – what made them amazing and wonderful. It was hard that some children struggled to think of something amazing about themselves, but then a beautiful glimpse of God at work when other children gently suggested something to them.

"Ministry with children has also helped me to grow in readiness to speak of the hope that is within me! I remember one evening when I was talking to a local cubs group about Easter. I had spoken about Good Friday and then everyone started talking at once – “Jesus lived with the Romans?” “They put nails in his hands?!” “That was not a good Friday.” “Why did Jesus have to die?”. I love how children’s quick-fire theological questions have challenged me to get better at communicating Christian hope in a succinct way which works for the context.

 "For me the biggest joy so far of being a priest is being able to offer formal blessings. I find there is a hunger for blessing in our parishes. Last year I was asked by one village school to do formal blessings in collective worship, and had to explain that I couldn’t until priested. It was a moment to treasure when I could offer a blessing for the year 6 leavers at this little school. I have long been drawn to Celtic blessings and poems of blessing, and often use Jan Richardson’s beautiful book Circle of Grace. Being able to offer blessings myself feels like a fulfilment of something that has been tugging at my heart for a long time."

Derby Cathedral welcomed people from all over the diocese on Sunday 14 September for the annual Bishop's Badge service. 

This special service celebrates ministry and service in the church and the community. The Bishop of Derby's badges recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing in Jesus' name to the mission of the church. 

The service was led by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. The reflections were given by the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. Music for the service is sung by the Girls and Lay Clerks of the Cathedral Choir. 

A second service will take place on Sunday 5 October. 

Awards for Missional Innovation

Mary Cox, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Margaret Crouch, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Martin Frost, St Michael, Sutton-on-the-Hill

Chris Hartshorn, St Wilfrid, West Hallam

Steven Hughes, St Michael and All Angels, South Normanton

Clarke Lomas, St Leonard, Thorpe

Don McLure, All Saints, Mackworth

Andrew Wright, St Oswald, Ashbourne

Janet Wright, St Oswald, Ashbourne

Awards for Missional Service

David Allen, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Josie Allman, St Michael, Stanton by Bridge

Elizabeth Arnold, St George, Ticknall

Lorna Barnett, St Mark, Winshill

Paul Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Alec Bemment, St Wilfrid, Egginton

Robin Blackwell, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Alex Carter, The Parish of Dethick, Lea and Holloway

Penny Carter, The Parish of Dethick, Lea and Holloway

Lynne Clark, St Peter, Edensor

Barbara Coe, The Parish of St Matthew

Brian Dawson, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Ann Ellis, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

John Fletcher, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Margaret Foster, Alvaston

Elaine Hanson, St Werburgh, Spondon

Rachel Heath, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Geoff Howell, The Parish of St Matthew

Carol Jenkins, St Michael, Stanton by Bridge

Keith Jennison, Sinfin Moor Benefice 

Chris Jones, St Peter, Littleover & Blagreaves

Griselda Kerr, St Michael with St Mary, Melbourne

Sally Knapp, St Wilfrid, West Hallam and St Andrew’s, Stanley

Irene Lawrence, St Bartholomew, Whittington

John Mazillius, St Andrew, Stanley

Kathryn Mazillius, St Andrew, Stanley

Simon Melen, St George, Ticknall

Sandra Morris, United Church of All Saints, Stanley Common

Jane Mortimer, All Saints, Kirk Hallam

Anne Musson, St Lawrence, Heanor

Elizabeth Newton, Walbrook Epiphany

Brian Parker, St John, Long Eaton

Pauline Piggin, St Werburgh, Spondon

Celia Potter, The Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Audrey Rose, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Alan Sheldon, St Thomas and St Mark, Brampton

Jacques Sigston, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Joan Suiter, Sawley 

Jennifer Swabey, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Tony Taylor, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley.

Marilyn Trueman, St Bartholomew, Whittington

Liz Turner, St Anne, Beeley

Ann Unwin, St Mary, Tissington

Photos from the event are available here

More photos will be added shortly