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Joan Plant, from Eyam, has been revealed as one of the recipients of Maundy money at York Minister on 6 April.

And she said she "cried for a full half-hour" when, in February, she received her letter from Buckingham Palace inviting her to receive it.

She said: "My husband had gone down to make breakfast when the postman came.

"He brought the letter upstairs and said 'I think you'd better open this!'

"When I saw it had the Royal stamp on it I just looked at it for a few minutes, wondering what it was all about - and also thinking that the postman would be wondering what I'm doing!

"It was a big surprise and I just felt so humbled.

"I'm just a small person in a small village and I feel really honoured to be able to receive [the Maundy money].

"I'm not receiving it just for me, but taking the whole village with me, in my mind."

Joan has lived in Eyam - often known as the Plague Village - all her life.

She has been churchwarden and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.

>> Parish spotlight: Eyam St Lawrence

>> Eyam recreated in fruit cake

The Revd Mike Gilbert, Rector of Eyam, expressed his delight for Joan. 

He said: "I can't think of a better person to get it - she is pretty much 'Mrs Eyam'!

"Joan has been a long and faithful servant, not only to the church but also to the village and she is known, loved and respected by everyone here."

The King and Queen Consort will distribute the Maundy money at York Minster in the first such service since the death of Queen Elizabeth.

There will be 74 recipients, one for each year of the King's age.

Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.

The recipients are traditionally elderly people, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.

Last modified on Wednesday, 05 April 2023 13:54

St Philip's Church in Chaddesden, Derby, has seen a growth in both community and congregation, thanks to its year-old café and support groups.

The church has positioned itself as a community facility and partnered with Derby County Community Trust and others to provide not only affordable meals, but also mental health groups for men, a dads' network, debt counselling and much more.

The Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister for St Philip's, said: "What I kept hearing was 'weve got no pub, we've got no café, we've got no community space'. 

"So I looked at this space and thought, well, why not?"

Following a period of planning and finding funding, the venture eventually got off the ground - initially on two days a week.

Now the church building is also a thriving community hub.

Revd Sarah said: "Many places have mum's groups available, but we have men's groups, a men's mental health group so to have a space for dads to come to is great.

"Having said that, a menopause group is also on the cards.

"We have craft groups, a fibromyalgia group and a debt clinic. The café is used by walking groups and a bowling group too.

"So I've told the community that we have an amazing space, and asked how can we facilitate this being a space that is here for the whole parish?"

Engaging with the community has also seen congregation numbers increase.

Some of those visiting now also go to Sunday services, and the Christmas Carol service saw more than 70 people go along - more than treble the previous year.

>> Find out more about St Philip's Chaddesden.

Last modified on Thursday, 28 September 2023 15:55

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

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:21

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

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carol coslett leaving service in Buxton

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:14

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."

candles spell out 365

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.

placing a message on the Sunflower of Hope in Derby Cathedral

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:18

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.

Last modified on Wednesday, 22 February 2023 16:47

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.

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Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:23

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

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:19

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.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:08

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

glossop all saints

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:15

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.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:07

On Sunday, 22 January 2023, St Peter’s Chellaston welcomed members of the Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) for a service focused on the experience of disabled people. The congregation showed their support with over 60 people attending the service.

Reader Lynda Herbert, who works for ‘Through the Roof’ - an organisation highlighting these issues - spoke from Mark 2 1-12 about overcoming obstacles churches too often inadvertently place in the path of disabled people.

Bishop Malcolm actively supports the Diocesan DIAG and presided at the service said, “We look forward to offering assistance to parishes as they consider how best to welcome people with disabilities - more information and resources will soon be available on the diocesan website”.

Lynda Herbert commented "We, the members of DIAG were given such a warm welcome by all at St Peter's and it was lovely to experience their willingness to explore how they can make the church a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. We look forward to working with them on the forthcoming access and inclusion audit".

Pictured (L-R) are Carl Veal (Chair of the DIAG) and his guide dog Eaton, Rachel Harrison (Reader and warden), Bishop Malcolm, Lynda Herbert (Reader and DIAG member), Revd BJ Facey (Vicar of St Peter’s Chellaston) and Terry Nash (DIAG member).

In March 2023, the DIAG will be launching their webpage on the Diocesan website which will it is hoped will be a great platform for parishes to learn more about the group, seek assistance and guidance, and download a range of resources.

>> View a recording of the service

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:10

A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the ministry of the Venerable Carol Coslett, Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, will take place on Saturday, 11 February 2023 at 3 pm at St John’s Buxton.

This will be an opportunity to say farewell as Carol leaves for her new post in the Diocese of Southwark.

Several choirs will be participating and offering different musical contributions during the service.

Archdeacon Carol would love you to come and join the choir to sing at her Farewell Service.

There will be a rehearsak in church at 1.30 pm with the service taking place at 3 pm.

If you are interested, please email Archdeacon Carol or Michael Williams by Monday, 30 January 2022 indicating with your contact number, whether you are Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass, and brief details of your choral experience.

Contact Archdeacon Carol at Carol.coslett@derby.anglican.org

Contact Michael Williams at mwilliams@bemerton.co.uk

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:11

With New Year resolutions all done with for another year, now could be the perfect time to start a community choir!

But where to start? What should you know before taking on this venture?

The Revd Dwayne Engh, Ordained Ministries Development Officer for the Diocese of Derby, has the answers and is sharing his knowledge in his book “Starting a Community Choir: Using Music in Outreach and Mission” which has been published by Grove Publishing.

Dwayne has been blessed to work around the world as a composer, conductor, percussionist, and educator.

The book covers both practical steps to take and some theological underpinnings of using music as an evangelistic outreach tool.

Throughout our history, the church has used the potential of music and art to be propositional, conveying both theological and devotional meaning.

Singing sacred (including both traditional and contemporary worship) music allows people to connect with God and be led to Christ while they explore their spiritual questions in a non-threatening environment.

Dwayne said, “I’m really pleased to have published this small Grove book – as well as to be able to combine my passion of music from my previous roles as conductor, composer and percussionist with my current roles as a priest and Ordained Ministries Development Officer, doing mission by loving people into God's kingdom. I hope the book helps churches and communities see how easy it is to start a community choir and encourages them to ‘give it a go’. (And, of course, to encourage them to buy as many dozens of copies of the book as they would like)!”

 >> More information and order your copy

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:19

St Francis Church, Mackworth, hosted a fun-filled night of carols and beer at the Woodpecker Pub on the Derby estate.

The evening was led by a choir and band that was specially formed for the event by church members and friends and helped reinforced the message that everyone is welcome to go to church at Christmas and beyond.

Many of the traditional favourites were sung and some really good discussions followed with people intending to go along and join a service soon.

The vicar, Revd Andy Bond, said: “We had around 25 singing in the choir and about the same amount from the pub who got stuck in and sang along.

“It’s the first time we've done this since I've been at St Francis.

“The event was a complete success; a lot of fun was had and there were some really positive comments about how much people enjoyed it.”

This is one of many festive events taking place across the diocese that it’s hoped will lead to transformed lives through growing church and building community.

Why not share your own Christmas successes with us at communications@derby.anglican.org.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:23

A member of the Diocese of Derby's Safeguarding Team has had her poetry selected to help highlight the national 16 Days of Activism campaign to end gender-based violence.

Sue Griffin, the diocese's safeguarding co-ordinator, wrote two poems about the horror and turmoil of abuse, which she knows all too much about after years of working in the social work and safeguarding industry.

She said: "I was in a meeting where there was a lot of talk about black eyes and bruises.

"I shouted up 'It's not just black eyes and bruises' at which point someone suggested it would be a good catchline for the campaign - and I decided to write a poem about it."


It’s not just black eyes and bruises

by Sue Griffin

The handsome man, the beautiful wife

A love affair, a family life,

Pressure grows, pleasure and woes,

Life’s events and sagas grow.

 

No peace, No love

No trust, no voice,

No money, No hope,

No time to be yourself.

 

The sideward glance,

The push, the punch,

The shout, the scream,

The No, you’re not!

You’re lucky – you should be grateful.

 

The fear, the isolation,

The pain, the desperation,

The control, the demands.

‘You’re mad’, ‘you’re fat’

‘You’re boring’, ‘you’re stupid’,

Who will listen, who cares?

It’s not just black eyes and bruises.


"The second poem, If You Told Me, was inspired by a campaign being run by our colleagues in the Diocese of Blackburn.

"For me, the messaging is the important thing - abuse doesn't only happen to women and writing about the underdog is important."

Sue said she has written poetry before but needs to feel inspired: "I like writing about people but I also find that having rhymes helps me to remember things.

"So generally a poem comes into my head and I put it down on paper.

"I try to come up with rhyming phrases and sometimes that can be frustrating; other times, though, the words just fall into place."

The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs until 10 December.


If you told me

by Sue Griffin

If you told me, I’d listen,

I’d try to understand,

If you told me,

I’d help you, with a future plan.

 

If you told me, I’d empower you,

I would stand by your side.

I’d respect your wishes.

Help restore your pride.

 

If you told me, I’d believe in you,

I’d show you that I cared.

If you told me, I’d be supportive,

Let you know someone was there.

 

If you told me, you’re ready,

You are growing strong,

You’re seeing things with clearer eyes

And know that things are wrong.

  

If you told me, you took a step,

A leap, to set you free

If you told me

I’d be there for you on your new journey.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:07
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