News Stories
Youngsters flock to Dinting Vale Tea 'n' Toast
Tea and Toast is a ministry that has been set up at Holy Trinity Dinting Vale.
This fantastic ministry is engaging with young people in the community from local secondary schools, and in partnership with other churches they are seeking to be good news for young people.
To find out more visit http://www.dintingchurch.org.uk/
To find out more about Growing Faith and the Diocese of Derby's work to support youth and children's ministry across churches, schools and households visit http://www.derby.anglican.org/youngpeople
Watch the video
Farewell from Archdeacon Carol
The Venerable Carol Coslett, the outgoing Archdeacon of Derby Peak and Dales, writes:
To all my diocesan friends,
Thankyou so much for your generosity and lovely gifts as I prepare to leave Derbyshire.
The people and places I have got to know and love in my time with you all will remain close to my heart as I travel south.
I have made some very special friendships and enjoyed many a conversation.
I take with me a little bit of the land in the Blue John Stone earnings which I shall treasure, and having got to know this wonderful part of the country I am sure Martin and I will be visiting from time to time to get away from the smoke and take in the fresh air of this wonderful landscape.
My prayers and blessings for you all, and Martin joins with me in saying Thank you God Bless.
Carol
Carol's Farewell Service was held at St John the Baptist, Buxton.
>> See more photos on Facebook
Lent is well under way as March begins, with lengthening, brightening days and winter beating its all-too-slow retreat.
Perhaps you have already ‘given things up for Lent’ or embraced this as a season of abstinence and spiritual discipline – or perhaps not?
Others will be taking things on – like doing a Lent course arranged by your parish - some will be using the excellent ‘Amazing Grace’ course material on our diocesan website.
This course explores what it means to belong in Christ to a community made up of every tribe, people, and nation, and the Gospel imperative that drives our quest for racial justice and inclusion in church and society everywhere.
The course is great for Lent - but it will work for any time. Take a look at: www.amazing-grace.co.uk.
For me Lent describes a journey we are all invited to share, which Jesus embarked on, leading the way.
It is a difficult road, full of challenges.
St Mark draws a vivid picture for us:
"They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him..." Mark 10.32
As we make this spiritual journey together there are plenty of people like Jesus’ disciples, afraid, and looking for reassurance.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, soaring prices, increasing poverty, the ongoing impact of the pandemic, and the impact of the climate emergency – all these make for a sense of fear and foreboding.
Where will it all lead?
Up ahead of the disciples, Jesus walks determinedly, knowing the direction of travel but not put off by it, certain there is only one way to go – the way of faithfulness, the way of love.
For Jesus, we know the way leads to the cross, to giving himself in love for the world, exposed to all that destroys, that blames, that hurts, that kills.
In this story it is no spoiler to fast forward to the end – to the amazement of resurrection, bringing life and peace, reconciliation, justice, and joy!
As across our diocese we journey together in Lent, let’s make every effort to stay close to Jesus as we follow him.
"Jesus, lead us in your way, and as we follow each day, give us generous faith, courageous hope, and life giving love. Amen."
+Malcolm
Bishop of Repton
Ukraine one year on: Derby's walk of hope
Hundreds of people walked through Derby to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, starting the biggest conflict in Europe sice World War II.
Accompanied by a giant Ukrainian flag, members of a number of communities, including the Ukrainian community, civic dignitaries and the Dean of Derby, processed from Cathedral Green, along Full Street, through the Market Place, along Iron Gate and to Derby Cathedral.
>> In pictures: Derby's Ukraine 365 walk
Many of the walkers carried candles, sunflowers and Ukrainian flags, and once they arrived at the cathedral they placed candles in the formation of '365' at the foot of the tower.
Iryna Dobrowolskyj, a leader of the Ukrainian community in Derby, said: "Ukraine has had 365 days of war, 365 days of aggression, but it has also received 365 days of kindness, 365 days of support, 365 days of love."
Inside the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, led the communities in prayer, standing behind a candle whose flame had been burning continuously for each of the 365 days.
He said: "Today is hugely significant and I have felt quite emotional.
"We pray for the people of Ukraine and their families and we pray for an end to the war, conflict, violence and suffering.
"We thank God for the love and support that Ukrainians all over the world have received."
People were invited to write messages of support and solidarity on petals that were added to a specially created Sunflower of Hope.
The event included a film and music installation by local artist Phil Harris and was also supported by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre and Derby CAN (Derby Creative Arts Network)
On Sunday, 26th February, local leaders of the Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Baha’i and Quaker faiths will offer prayers and readings at a vigil scheduled to start at 2pm, also in Derby Cathedral.
Dean of Derby to join Ukraine candlelit procession
The Very Revd Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, will join a candlelit procession to mark the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
The procession, on Friday, 24 February, will start from Cathedral Green at 6.20pm and then move along full street, Derby Market Place, and up Iron Gate to Derby Cathedral.
Those who wish to join in are asked to congragate at Cathedral Green at 6pm.
At the end of the procession, those taking part will be invited to place their candles near the foot of the cathedral tower to spell out '365' as a powerful, visual reminder.
Afterwards, Dean Peter will lead prayers inside the cathedral. All are welcome.
And on Sunday, 26th February, local leaders of the Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Baha’i and Quaker faiths will offer short prayers and readings at a vigil scheduled from 2pm to 3pm.
The event will include a film and music installation by local artist Phil Harris.
People in attendance will have opportunities for quiet prayer and to light a candle for an end to violence and suffering.
They will also be invited to write messages of support on a petal that will be added to a specially created Sunflower of Hope.
Bakewell Screen takes third in national campaign
Derby Cathedral’s Bakewell Screen has beaten off stiff competition to take third place in the national Cathedral Treasures campaign
Almost 4,500 people voted on their favourite cathedral treasure from the top ten finalists in the Association of English Cathedrals campaign which showcased 50 remarkable treasures and glories cared for and preserved by cathedrals in England and the Church in Wales.
The latest publication, Deans’ Choice: Cathedral Treasures of England and Wales by Janet Gough, tells the story of the treasures, each one chosen by the dean or senior clergy of the cathedral featured.
The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby said: “We are delighted that the Bakewell Screen is so admired and loved by the public. It is a signature treasure in our beautiful cathedral and I’d like to extend a big thank you to all who voted it as their favourite!”
Commenting on the announcement, Janet Gough said: “I am delighted to see the Bakewell Screen from Derby Cathedral, perhaps a less well-known cathedral - although full of treasures - voted one of the top three cathedral treasures in England and Wales.
"The 1720s Bakewell Screen is a masterpiece in painted and gilded wrought iron, traversing the full width of Derby Cathedral and dividing the chancel from the nave like any traditional rood screen.
"The screen’s transparency symbolises the light of reason beloved of the Age of Enlightenment and, made at the same time as Bakewell’s gates to Derby’s adjacent silk mill – today the Museum of Making - ushers in the Industrial Revolution."
The runner-up was The Nave Ceiling at Peterborough with the winner being The Leaves of Southwell Cathedral.
Together the 50 treasures span over 1,000 years of history with the earliest treasure, Ripon Cathedral’s ancient crypt of St Wilfrid established in 672 AD, the oldest building of any English cathedral still is use today, to the newest, the Newport Cathedral Rood, a modern work of art by Singaporean artist Tay Swee Siong that was installed in 2020.
It's bronze for St Peter's Littleover and Blagreaves
St Peter's Church, Littleover and Blagreaves is the latest church in the diocese to have received a bronze Eco Church award.
Just over 12 months ago, Littleover church began the work to become an Eco Church. Starting with a Climate Sunday service the congregation made a total of 99 pledges to each commit to one action that would help take better care of the environment. The church also formed a ‘Creation Care’ mission group with the aim of working together to care for creation in a constructive, positive, and supportive way.
Some of the things the church has done are:
- Planted a wildflower area of the churchyard
- Recycled pill strips
- Spread the message at the local school fair with a ‘splat the landfill’ game
- Shared vegan recipes and food at the church fete.
- Written and shared articles
- Worked with St Peter’s school to enable children to make the best use of pre-loved uniform.
Julie Scott, PCC Secretary said: “The fantastic news is that our church is now officially an ‘Eco Church’ and has achieved a Bronze Award under the scheme. Our survey results show that we have achieved gold level for worship and teaching and bronze level for each of the other four categories, Management of church buildings, Management of church land, Community and global engagement, Lifestyle and this equates to Bronze altogether.”
You can find out more about the Arocha Eco Church project here
Enabling more churches to go cashless
Important - the deadline to apply for a free contactless giving station has now passed.
You can contact Steve Johnson, Living Generously Adviser, at steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org.
The CofE is funding 50 contactless giving stations for parishes in the Diocese of Derby.
In addition to the weekly congregational giving, the devices enable churches cashless payment options for events including weddings, christenings, church fetes and concerts, as well for making one-off donations and the booking of churches and halls.
Applications for contactless devices opened on Monday, 6 February 2023 and can only be made through the Parish Buying website, where more information on the available Giving Stations can be found.
Steve Johnson, Living Generously Adviser for the Diocese of Derby, said: "We have an amazing opportunity for all our parishes to enable community generosity through contactless giving from a generation who are increasingly using cashless methods in their lifestyles.
"I am extremely excited for the Diocese of Derby to be part of this initiative and in supporting our churches giving income and I strongly encourage every parish to apply for a free device."
Churches have until Saturday, 4 March 2023 to submit their application.
If a church/parish doesn’t already have a Parish Buying account they can register first before accessing the Diocese of Derby's Digital Giving page to apply.
As we rapidly move towards being a cashless society, it is important that churches can receive gifts in the way people find it easiest to give.
Cards overtook cash as the preferred form of payment in 2017, so the ability to accept digital donations will be key for many churches in the years to come.
In 2022 alone, churches across the country received more than £6.5m in digital donations.
The Church of England’s National Giving Team has embarked on a three-year project to help thousands more churches access digital mechanisms for receiving donations.
If you would like to contact Steve Johnson, please email steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org or call him on 07359 067631.
Glossop gets gold Eco Church award
Glossop parish church of All Saints has become the first church in the Diocese of Derby to achieve a gold Eco Church award.
The award is the highest accolade given by A Rocha UK, a Christian conservation charity, and reflects the church’s commitment to put creation care at the heart of their activities, and highlights how Eco Churches benefit biodiversity and reduce their carbon footprint.
To achieve the award, Glossop parish church developed its churchyard to be a living sanctuary at the heart of the community.
The planting scheme encourages bees, butterflies and birds, there are bird boxes, bug and hedgehog hotels, and the hedges aren’t cut when birds might be nesting.
The land is used for outdoor services and learning about creation, and events such as The Great British Birdwatch, the Bellringers BBQ and the end-of-season party for Dark Peak Children’s orchestra.
Joining with churches and community groups across Glossopdale, they took part in the ‘Great British Spring Clean’ in April and October and collected a total of over 40 bags of litter from a local ‘grot spot’.
The church also had a green Christmas, renting a Christmas tree which the Reverend David said is returned after Christmas so it can continue growing.
They also sent candle stubs and used tea lights to a company in the southwest of England who recycle them into candles.
During January month they are being part of ‘Buy Nothing New Month’, trying out alternatives like renting, repairing and buying pre-loved items to save both money as well as the planet.
The Vicar at All Saints, the Reverend David Mundy, said All Saints had put the concept of caring for creation at the heart of all their thinking: "The Eco Church award scheme has been instrumental in helping us understand practical ways to engage with the Anglican Communion’s ‘Fifth Mark of Mission’: 'To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth'.
"Working to achieve the different levels of award has challenged us about our faith.
"We have increasingly come to recognise that the lifestyle choices we make – what we eat, what we wear, how we travel, how we dispose of our waste, and so on – have implications not only for the planet but also for our sisters and brothers in the global South.
"The gold award is not the end of our journey; it is a staging post. I am very proud of the Eco Church team at All Saints.
"Our next steps include investigating how we might work towards the net zero targets and supporting other parishes on their Eco Church journeys."
On hearing of the award, the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said: "My congratulations go to everyone at All Saints, Glossop, and especially Barbara Fearnley and Eric Igo for the amazing work they have done as they have travelled towards and been awarded with Gold Eco Church status.
"Projects undertaken have included tending the churchyard and developing it as a sanctuary for humans, plants and animals, litter picking, toilet twinning, recycling candle stubs, partnering with USPG Green Schools programme in South India and 'renting' a Christmas tree which will be replanted so it can continue growing.
"I look forward to more of our churches following this example and being more environmentally sustainable and ecologically friendly.
"This is great news for the parish, for the diocese and, above all, for the environkment and the wildlife that will benefit from this remarkable effort in caring for God's creation."
And the Reverend Lucy Foster, A Rocha UK’s Eco Church Officer for Northern England said, “All Saints’ creation care is deeply rooted in their worship and prayer life and flows through all they do - from the beautiful accessible sacred space of their churchyard, and Toilet Twinning to initiatives with community partners to combat air pollution in areas of deprivation.
"They are an inspiring example of how church environmental action benefits both global and local neighbours."
Learn more about the Eco Church award scheme
New diocesan secretary announced
The Bishop of Derby has announced the new diocesan secretary will be Will Hagger, who is currently the diocese of London's director of housing and investment property.
Will brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked for the London Diocesan Fund for eight years.
He is a chartered surveyor and has previously worked for property fund management business, Newcore Capital.
Will said: “I am really excited by the opportunities and challenges that my new role in Derby will present, both professionally and personally.
"Whilst I will be sad to leave the Diocese of London, I am looking forward to getting acquainted with the Diocese of Derby and the whole of Derbyshire.”
On announcing the appointment, Bishop Libby said: “I know you will join me in warmly welcoming Will to the Diocese of Derby.
"He will be a great asset to the diocese and in leading DBF colleagues from Church House.
"Please keep him and his family in your prayers as they prepare to move and through all their transitions."
Will’s first day with us will be 1st May.
