News and Events
Saints of Derbyshire, the book by Revd Simon Taylor and Josephine Simister, is now available to buy.
The illustrated book tells the stories of more than 50 saints associated with Derbyshire and is published by Derby Cathedral, which will also receive all profits from the sale of the book.
At the launch of the book, Simon, formerly area dean of Derby City Deanery, revealed that the idea for the book came during a family trip to Repton.
He said: "We were looking around the parish church there and there are loads of saints associated with Repton, with this magnificent crypt for St Wystan and nowhere could I find enough information about the saints.
"And after that I just started collecting the stories, not just for Repton but for the whole of the county.
"It tells the stories of the saints. I remember some years ago reading a dictionary of saints that said 'the stories of this saint are legendary' and feeling that wasn't very helpful, I wanted to know what the stories were, however legendary and far-fetched because, they're fun and I wanted to know what made the story come alive.
"So we've kept in the monsters and the far-fetched and the supernatural because that's the funa and the joy of these stories.
"It's also a book that we hope people will take out into Derbyshire and go and visit some places and find the saints associated with places.
"And, yes, there are prayers and it is a book that, through the lives of the saints, will connect folk to God - the god that the saints in their very different ways were all trying to find."
The book is also laden with beautiful lino-print illustrations, lovingly created by Jo Simister, deanery administrator for Derby City Deanery.
Jo said: "I think the most lovely thing about this project was that it got me back in touch with my art teaching roots from 40 years ago.
"Just doing the refresher workshop to produce the Repton crypt print was such a joy that I really couldn't resist thinking that maybe I could do one lino print for each of the chapters - not realsiing that there would be 20 chapters!
"I loved doing the research for the different subjects, so for example when it came to doing the design for the hermit who lived in Deepdale and Cratcliffe, I decided to see what the local museums had in the way of cooking pots from that era and I also had a Tudor herbal at home and I scanned some of the photos from that - simple, primitive pictures of daisies and clover that I used in the design.
"And then there were others that were really quite obvious."
Among the church artefacts that are included are the Wirksworth Stone (the lid of a stone vault found buried in Wirksworth Church in 1820), which was used for one of the chapters, and the Saxon font at Ilam, used for the story about Bertrand and the monsters eating his wife!
An exhibition of Jo's lino prints is in Derby Cathedral (until 20 December 2021) and the book, priced £12.50 (plus 4.50 p&p if required) can be ordered by emailing office@derbycathedral.org
As we enter Advent, we look for the coming of Christ and of his kingdom, and the hope that gives us.
Between 29 November 2021 and 23 December 2021, Bishops Libby and Malcolm invite you to join them each week on zoom for 45 minutes of prayer and reflection together, based upon seasonal Bible passages.
Advent Hope is open to all and will be held on Monday morning from 7:30-8:15am and repeated on Thursday evening from 7:30-8:15 pm.
Both sessions will be on Zoom.
Do pass this invitation on.
Please email reply@bishopofderby.org for the access link.
Bishop Malcolm writes:
In Covid times we have had to learn to be fleet of foot, and ready to change plans at the drop of a hat.
Those of you who attended the clergy conference back in September will remember that Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy was unable to join us on the Wednesday as he had succumbed to Covid.
I am now pleased to say Lusa has fully recovered, and that he has agreed to give us an Advent address, on Zoom, on Monday, 6 December from 7 pm to 7.45pm, followed by a discussion in breakout groups, a Q&A session with Lusa - leading up to Night Prayer.
This is now opento anyone in the diocese, lay and ordained, but please do book in via this link.
Lusa will be speaking to the title, ‘Threads of hope’, with an Advent theme.
The Revd. Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy is BAME Mission and Ministry Enabler for the Diocese of Leicester.
He recently served on the Archbishops’ Anti Racism Task Force, which produced the report, ‘From Lament to Action’.
He is also a Trustee of Initiatives of Change, a global organisation working to inspire, equip and connect people to play their part in building a better society.
I realise this is rather short notice for such a significant talk, but it is offered in the hope that it may be an encouragement and inspiration during the Advent season.
Please book in right away if you possibly can.
Janice and Sarah, who were involved in this venture in Hathersage, write:
Hathersage held its first Repair Cafe on a Saturday morning which was very well received and well supported.
From the initial trepidation of ‘will anyone come’, we moved to an excited buzz with customers arriving at 9.45am even though we didn’t open until 10am!
Our experts were kept busy throughout the morning as the attached photos show, and tackled a range of requests which they met with skill, expertise and good humour.
A steady request for bacon butties kept Paul and Lucy busy in the kitchen, although they still managed to pop out from time to time to socialise.
Not everyone needed the assistance of our experts and it was lovely to see friends who had popped in for a coffee and a natter, ably overseen by Charlotte, our curate and chief natterer!
Our thanks to those who gave their time and talents so willingly and to all those who came along, with or without an item needing repair.
We hope to repeat the Repair Cafe in the new year and we will publicise it when details have been finalised.
A reflection by Revd Ellie Launders-Brown
As a Christian and a veteran of the Royal Navy, Remembrance Sunday is always an important part of the calendar and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I have spent Remembrance Sunday, at sea, on land in both the UK and abroad, during conflict and at peace.
To stand alongside my serving comrades in remembrance of the sacrifice of all who gave their lives in the service of their country is quite a poignant moment and never fails to stir up many emotions.
As there are very few veterans remaining of the two world wars, it always felt important to me that all people of every nationality should stand together as a living memorial to the fallen in all conflicts.
Hearing the guns fall silent as a mark of respect, gives an insight into how that silence must have felt on 11/11/18, it is quite a deafening and spine-tingling silence to behold.
As I begin my ordained ministry, I feel that this living memorial is still important, but also that our act of remembrance should be a journey.
Yes, we should still look back and remember the sacrifice of others for a freedom that we are fortunate enough to enjoy today, but we should also learn from the past as we look to the present, and how our fellow human beings are still suffering oppression, discrimination, and abuse.
That living memorial we make on Remembrance Sunday is futile if we still allow the mistreatment and injustice that is around today.
I am always drawn at this time of Remembrance to the Words of Micah: ‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.’ (Micah 4:3-4).
My prayer as we enter the season of Remembrance is that if we can come together and unite with our fellow human beings, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexuality, ability or disability, can we then look with hope towards a new future where we can accept and embrace our differences and live together as children of God in peace.
Ellie Launders-Brown was ordained a deacon in 2021 and is currently serving her curacy with East Scardsale Team Ministry.
She is also a veteran of the Royal Navy.
Natasha's Law
On 1 October 2021, Natasha’s Law came into effect for all foods produced and prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) with food labelling changing in the UK.
This new labelling will provide potentially life-saving allergen information on packaging for consumers.
A full list of ingredients will be required by law to be stated on the label, along with the name of the food.
Parishes are subject to the general law in relation to the sale and supply of food and drink.
This includes complying with the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019 which add Natasha’s Law to the Food Information Regulations 2014.
Regulations definition
The Regulations apply to a “food business” which is defined as any undertaking, whether for profit or not and whether public or private, carrying out any of the activities related to any stage of production, processing and distribution of food.
The regulations define a “food business operator” as the natural or legal persons responsible for ensuring that the requirements of food law are met within the food business under their control.
As a result of these definitions, PCCs fall within the scope of food business and food business operators.
Private individuals who occasionally sell or offer food at church events are exempt from the allergen information requirements.
However, if an individual is providing food as a food business operator or provides products for consumption to one, such as a church café or regular lunch club, then the necessary allergen information should be provided.
Natasha's Law has extended the 2014 Regulations.
The 2014 Regulations originally applied to foods that are not pre-packed, and Natasha’s Law has extended the Regulations to pre-packed for direct sale to a final consumer.
Where food is not pre-packed, the information must stuill be provided, though in this case it can be provided verbally and either a label attached to the food or notice, ticket or label must be readily visible stating that details of the substance or product can be obtained by asking a member of staff.
Pre-packed food will need to clearly display on the packaging the name of the food, full ingredients list, within allergenic ingredients emphasised.
Learn More
>> What is Natasha's Law?
>> Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Parishes are being urged to mark the start of the COP26 climate change summit by ringing bells.
The plan is for church and cathedral bells to be peeled for 30 minutes at 6pm on Saturday, 30 October.
The idea of the mass bellringing was devised by Edward Gildea, the adventurer and environmentalist, who is a member of St Mary's church in Saffron Walden, Essex, as a vivid warning of the danger from the climate emergency.
He said: “Church bells would normally be used to call people to church on Sundays.
"But this time, they'll be ringing out a warning - a 'code-red for humanity' warning.'
Mr Gildea created a Facebook page to support the idea.
A post from him reads: "Wouldn't it be great if every church, chapel and cathedral bell around the world were to ring out its warning to humanity on the eve of COP 26?
"This website is for people of all faiths and none, who share a common concern for the future of humanity."
Bell ringers across the country are supporting the initiative.
Simon Linford, President of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, commented: “Bellringers understand how important the bells they ring are not only to the church but also to the local community.
“The sound of bells was missed during lockdown, and it is now being welcomed back as part of the nation’s soundscape.
“Many bellringers are planning to join in with “ring out for the climate’, lending their powerful voice in support of efforts to halt climate change.”
Where churches participate, a notification on social media or in newsletters can help make the local community aware of the significance of the bells.
Vigils
Meanwhile, Derby Cathedral, and other churches within the Diocese of Derby, are holding vigils.
The Dean of Derby, the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, will lead a prayer vigil at the cathedral on Saturday, 30th October, at 11am.
Dean Peter said: "This is such a pivotal moment. Carbon emissions and temperatures continue to rise, the biodiversity of the planet is decreasing and the very future of the human race is threatened.
"Now is the time to act and the faith communities across the globe have the capacity to act together and influence the outcome of COP26 for the better.
"Not only will be praying for radical change in policies and practice by all nations but we will be demonstrating our solidarity with the global poor who suffer disproportionately from the impact of global heating.
"Please do come and join us for this critical moment in history and let’s take action together!"
And Saint Michael's Kirk Langley will hold a vigil on Wednesday, 3 November at 7.30pm
Edward Gildea's video message to all churches in the country
Bishop Libby will be visiting all the deaneries during October and November to meet people in the parishes, spending time in both private and open conversations about parish life and our vision for the future.
This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that Bishop Libby has been able to have face-to-face meetings on this scale and it is a great opportunity to hear from the bishop on our vision for the life of the Church, with an time for questions and to give feedback.
(Events marked * are open to all)
(Events marked * are open to all)
People from all over the Diocese of Derby have been presented with their Bishop's Badge in celebration of their lay ministry.
Bishop Libby presented the badges at a special service in Derby Cathedral, and online to those joining the service from home.
The badges recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing to the mission of the Church.
A number of awards were made to celebrate mission and innovation whilst others were presented to recognise long service.
>> See photos from the Bishop's Badge service [on Flickr]
Awards for Mission and Innovation
Paul Black - St John the Baptist, Tideswell
Nigel Brown - St. Mary's, Marston on Dove
Angela Cope - St Thomas, Somercotes
Mark Depiedge - St Thomas, Brampton
Sarah Johnson - The BMO of The Journey Community, St Osmund's Parish, Wilmortion
Sara Krohl - St Werburgh, Spondon
Lorraine and Simon Marrow - Buxton Team Parish
Janet Micklewright - All Saints' with St Mary's Sawley (and long service)
Katrina Pargma - The BMO of The Journey Community. St Osmund's Parish, Wilmorton
Nick Roberts - St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton
Tim Scott - The BMO for The Journey Community in St Osmand's parish, Wilmorton
Leon Shufflebotham - St George the Martyr, New Mills
Susan Silcock - Kirk Langley, Mackworth and Mugginton
Christine Tilbrook - St Giles, Killamarsh
Julie Ann Tilbrook - St Giles, Killamarsh
Awards for Long Service
Meleta Barlow - Charlesworth with Gamesly
Pauline Boon - Buxton Team Parish
Marylyn Bryan - St James Codnor
Sylvia Bunting - St Mary's Cromford
Barbara Buxton - St Osmund Wilmorton
Barrie Clayton - Charlesworth with Gamesley
Maggie Davis - Buxton Team Parish
David Gardner - Wallbrook Epiphany
Lawrence Green - St. Mary in the United Benefice of Calow with Sutton-cum-Duckmanton
Mille Guthrie - St Thomas, Brampton
Sheila Harper - Oakwood
Christine Hill - St Michael and All Angels Brimington
Paul Hunter - Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath
Ena Johnson - Newbold with Dunston
Vicks Keane - St Helen's, Etwall
Robin Lacey - St Michael and All Angels
Evelyn Lowe - Newbold with Durston
Gay Lowe - St John the Baptist, Croxall
Peter Lowe - St John the Baptist, Croxall
Janet Mowman - St Osmund, Wilmorton
Lesley Mundy - St Andrew's, Hadfield
Beryl Murdy - Marlpool
Diane Peet - Stanton In Peak
Douglas Poole - Derby Cathedral
John Roberts - Hadfield
Peter Robinson - St John the Baptist, Tideswell
Helen Smart - St Mark's, Winshill
Hilary Smith - All Saints, Hatton
Arthur Stamper - Clowne
Barbara Stringer - St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton
Marion Tauibut - St Alkmund's, Duffield
Paul Taylor - Buxton Team Parish
Ruth Taylor - St Margaret's, Tideswell
Josephine Vallence - St Clement's, Horsley
Calow with Sutton-cum-Duckmanton
Bishop Libby is pleased to announce that Ian Blaney of Lee Bolton Monier-Williams has been appointed the next Registrar of the Diocese of Derby and her Legal Secretary, following the retirement of Nadine Waldron.
The appointment will take effect on 1 October 2021 and all Registry enquiries should be directed to the new registrar from that date.
He is to be supported by three deputy registrars, Howard Dellar, Susan Newell and Ed Henderson who each have their own specialist expertise.
Susan Black is to be the principal registry clerk, supported by Kevin Diamond.
Ian Blaney is a solicitor with over 15 years’ experience in ecclesiastical law. He has written various publications on church, burial and marriage law and has a degree in canon law.
He lives in north London where he is a member of his parish church, on the PCC, and is Vice-Chair of Governors of the church school.
He hails from Cheshire and Staffordshire where family members still live. He has served as Registrar of the Diocese of Lincoln for the last 4 years and will continue in that post.
His firm, Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is known for its expertise in ecclesiastical, charity and educational law.
Bishop Libby said: “I am delighted that Ian is joining us as our new registrar. His knowledge, experience and expertise will be an valuable addition to our diocesan team. I am inspired by his commitment to live out his faith by offering the best practice of law in the service of the Church for the sake of the Kingdom. I am looking forward to working together so that we can be good news for all in transforming lives through growing the church and building community.”
Ian Blaney said: “I would like to thank the Bishop and her team for appointing me to this important role. I look forward to exploring the parishes of the Diocese and getting to know the clergy, lay officers and volunteers who faithfully make their churches a place of welcome and sanctuary. I am grateful to my predecessor Nadine Waldron for her steadfast work over many years for and making the handover as smooth as possible. My office is based in London, where the Registry is easily contactable by phone, email, ‘snail mail’ and video. Although the last year has highlighted the convenience and usefulness of online meetings, I and my team value forming relationships and maintaining a presence through personal visits, and we look forward to being with you.”
The contact details for the new Registrar are:
Derby Diocesan Registry
1 The Sanctuary
Westminster
London
SW1P 3JT
Reception Telephone: 020 7222 5381
Direct Telephone (Registry Clerk): 0207 960 7152
Email: derby.registry@1thesanctuary.com
A registry website is in the process of being built and information about this will be published in due course.
>> Click here to make an online donation <<
With desperate poverty and homelessness severely damaging the life chances of girls in one of the world’s biggest and poorest slum areas, Bishop Libby has launched this year’s Harvest Appeal to raise thousands of pounds towards their housing and basic education.
St Elizabeth’s Hostel in Kolkata, India, is the focus of this year's Harvest Appeal, which will run in parishes and schools throughout the Diocese of Derby from September to the end of December.
The diocese has a long mutual association with the Church of North India, not least through links with schools over many decades.
Drawn from some of the poorest slums in the city, St Elizabeth’s is a refuge for up to 86 girls at any one time.
Sometimes homeless and always underprivileged, the girls at the hostel are provided with accommodation, food, clothing and other basic necessities as well as an education up to Higher Secondary level.
As a result of the pandemic, financial support has either been cut or is at severe risk in what are sometimes considered as low-priority areas, such as girls’ education.
Bishop Libby is determined that the long-term development of girls at St Elizabeth’s should continue.
Education helps them overcome social and financial challenges and to access jobs and income that will enable them to live independently and sustain themselves.
Without the support of St Elizabeth’s, most of the girls would receive no education at all, making it likely they would remain in poverty like many thousands of other girls and vulnerable to exploitation, often by the sex trade.
Bishop Libby said: “Many of these girls come from truly desperate situations, and lacking the basic tools to be able to change that. St Elizabeth’s work is so inspiring – a shining example of our partners in the Church of North India making known the good news of the Kingdom of God.
"The joy and opportunity it brings are clear to see on the faces of these girls, and I know the people of Derbyshire will join with us help us raise the money needed to keep this wonderful institution alive.”
How to donate
Individual online donations
You can make an online donation to the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal at www.justgiving.com/campaign/harvestappeal2021.
There is the option to Gift Aid these donations.
Church and School donations
Where possible, participating churches and schools should send their donations (including any reclaimed Gift Aid) by BACS transfer – details for this transaction are:
Bank account name: Derby Diocesan Board of Finance
Bank account number: 85463671
Sort code number: 60-12-01
Payment Ref: HARVEST2021
When churches / schools send their donation by BACS, please notify us by email to finance@derby.anglican.org and include payment details – (i) date & (ii) amount.
This is important to us, as your email will ensure your donation is identified and a “thank you” will be sent.
Cheques should be made payable to DDBF Ltd and sent to
“The Bishop of Derby’s Harvest Appeal 2021”
c/o Derby Church House
Full Street
Derby
DE1 3DR
A Ray of Hope
Suriya’s mother succumbed to domestic violence and soon afterwards her father left her along with three of her siblings. Her maternal aunts support them financially and their grandmother aids the education of her sister. Residing at the hostel has helped Suriya cope with serious economic problems and the food crisis at home. She responds well in class and has performed well in her exams.
The death of Priyanks’s father left her family in a critical financial position. Her mother struggles to make ends meet by doing housekeeping work but for meagre pay. For monetary reasons her siblings have to reside with her paternal family. Staying at the hostel has affected her positively. She has been able to put aside her past and is doing well in her studies.
KumKum has lived in a rented house with her mother since her father left them when she was only a year and half old. Mother and daughter were under great financial pressure so KumKum decided to enroll herself for boarding. Their lives are still full of struggle but the hostel had been a ray of hope at a time of despair. She is studying well and scoring good grades and some, if not all, of their educational and financial problems have found a solution.
Sonia hails from a Christian family of two elder sisters, mother, father and grandmother. Her mother works at a grocery store which she started during the pandemic. Her father repairs electrical goods and sells religious books at the market. They have had financial troubles for a considerable period but her parents have always supported her and her siblings’ education. She has scored a well-deserving 79.8% in her Madhyamik Exam 2021.
Priya Halder from Bardhhaman never knew her father’s love. Her mother, with the help of St.Thomas’ Home Howrah, kept her in the hostel to pursue her education. Priya is talented in recitation and has come first in a competition organised by the State Government. She was awarded a memento and a book - she has made us proud. She gets financial assistance as girls in the OBC, Minority and scheduled Caste quota receive financial help from the state government.
Thank You in anticipation of your generous support for the Bishop of Derby’s Harvest Appeal 2021
For the last two weeks our screens have been showing harrowing scenes from a country halfway around the world, where a nation is in turmoil and many people are fearful about the future and struggling to know what to do next. What we are seeing in Afghanistan is an unfolding humanitarian crisis, with people leaving through evacuation flights as well attempting to cross borders into neighbouring countries. Please hold the situation and people of Afghanistan in your prayers
Around seventy people in family groups have now arrived in Derby and are in temporary hotel accommodation which will be their home until they can be resettled in different parts of the UK. These are families who have arrived through the Government’s ARAP scheme, having worked for the British Government in Kabul or as interpreters in Helmand.
Already refugee support organisations in Derby, churches and the national “Welcome Churches” are working together to ensure people are welcomed and helped.
How can you help?
- Upbeat Communities (one of the refugee charities in Derby) have launched a Just Giving page. By receiving financial donations they are able to be flexible in providing immediate support and make plans for support in the coming weeks. For details go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/UpbeatCommunitiesAfghanAppeal
- A list of urgently needed items will be published as soon as possible. DRS (Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity) are always happy to receive donations for their work with refugees including those from Afghanistan. For further information go to www.derbyshirerefugeesolidarity.org.
- Meanwhile we are invited to contact our MP to ensure the Government commits to its promise to resettle more Afghan refugees along with those currently here in the UK who are not part of the resettlement scheme and some of whom may be being held in detention centres
A Prayer for Afghanistan (Christian Aid)
O God of mercy and peace,
We hold before you the peoples of Afghanistan.
Be living bread to those who are hungry each day
Be healing and wholeness to those who have no access to health care amid the ravages of the pandemic.
Be their true home to all who have been displaced
Be open arms of loving acceptance to those who fear because of their gender, ethnicity, religious or political views
Be peace to those engaged in armed conflict and those who live within its shadow.
Turn our hearts and minds to your gentle ways of just and gentle peace,
Open our eyes to see you in all acts of compassionate care
Strengthen our hearts to step out in solidarity with your suffering people and
Hold us all in your unfailing love.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself of all but love in order to bring life in all its fullness.
Amen
This prayer was written by Ramani Leathard, Christian Aid’s Head of Region for South East Asia and Afghanistan.
For more points for prayer go to www.christianaid.org.uk and click on Prayer for Afghanistan
Maureen Priddin
Derby Cathedral and Derby City of Sanctuary network
“proud to welcome and support those seeking sanctuary in Derby and Derbyshire"
The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek, has created a collaborative team to support her in her role as Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons in England and Wales.
Bishop Rachel is tasked with supporting the network of 300 Anglican Prison Chaplains who share in the front-line care of prisoners, as well as developing relationships and being involved with people and issues across the breadth of the Criminal Justice System.
This includes probation and community services, as well as many different charities and organisations.
In all of this, Bishop Rachel seeks to use her role as a Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords, not least working for a change to systems and sentencing for the most vulnerable people in our communities, whilst not losing sight of appropriate justice for victims of crime.
Bishop Libby will support Bishop Rachel in work with young offenders, which will be a natural extension to her work as vice-chair of The Children's Society.
Bishop Libby said, “I am delighted to be joining this team and look forward to working with Bishop Rachel and Bishop Michael with other partners working across the criminal justice system. I have a particular passion to see restorative justice leading to transformed lives with meaningful integration and contribution to community. Sharing with this team complements the work I currently engage with through The Children’s Society in our shared commitment to the most vulnerable, and at risk, children and young people in our land.”
The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, will support with the male estate and bring his experience of being in a diocese with a number of prisons.
The Team will work closely with the Revd Helen Dearnley, HMPPS Anglican Chaplaincy Advisor.
Bishop Rachel said, “I will be involved across the breadth of the prison estate, but I am hoping that this collaborative approach will enable more prisons to be visited and will provide deeper insight and shared learning. We will of course be working in close liaison with bishops in every diocese where prisons are situated and who remain responsible for the licensing and everyday pastoral care of their Anglican prison chaplains.”
The new episcopal prison team marked the beginning of their work together on Thursday 29 July 2021 with a joint visit to the Diocese of Lichfield where each visited separate prisons.
Bishop Rachel visited HMP Featherstone and HMP Oakwood; Bishop Michael visited HMP Brinsford and Bishop Libby visited HMP Werrington.
Over the last few years Bishop Rachel was Bishop for Women’s Prisons and has undertaken a huge amount in campaigning for prison reform and community rehabilitation for women in the criminal justice system, or at risk of offending. She now wants to develop that collaborative way of working.
This article was adapted from original text by Sarah Lacey, parisioner at St Giles, Hartington.
St Giles’ Church sits dreaming quietly in the beautiful village of Hartington, and has done so since around 1250 AD.
This is not to say that it hasn't had some lively moments, I'm sure it has, but none in my time of some 20 years as a resident.
How we have prayed for a change to come, for the Holy Spirit to take notice and 'do' something, anything even, to create life, energy and purpose for God within and without this slumbering church.
Guess what? Something has gradually been changing over the last few years, new shoots have sprouted in the form of new church goers moving into the village.
In each we see gifts put to willing use in the service of God, through the Spirit - it's exciting!
There is a problem, (isn't there always?!), we don't have a vicar, we are in 'vacancy', and have been for some time.
In fact, for me, it is the fourth time of being without the person in a dog collar, the visible presence of God's servant within the community that everyone wants to see and take tea with.
Does it matter? Yes, of course it does, but you can, we have learnt over the years, manage very well if you have someone to share the load with, and this time there is a team of ‘someones’ who are willing and able to step up and become a committed group of lay people, prepared to help and enable us to grow.
As Paul said in his letter to the Romans (12:6): ‘We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us.’
The team committed to offering a regular time of worship on a Sunday.
Between us we deliver two family type services every month, and we plague other vicars and retired clergy (PTOs) to undertake the other two Sundays, one to offer Holy Communion, which recharges our spiritual batteries beautifully, the other to bring some variety and friendly support, for which we say a big ‘thank you’ to the priest concerned.
Mission Action Plan
We dug out our 2011 version of MAP (Mission Action Plan) and updated it with realistic challenges and plans, having first canvassed as many people as possible for their opinions, which we listened to.
We established a rota, we bulked up our PCC with some new blood and we established a pastoral team.
The pandemic has shown on numerous occasions how important regular outreach is, especially in our rural farming community.
There is a great deal of isolation and loneliness, masked by pride and the words, 'I don't want to be a nuisance / burden / trouble to anyone,' if we do but take time to be that good neighbour Jesus calls us to be and take notice.
We held a thoroughly enjoyable Rogation service last month, 40 people joined us on our 'worship walkabout’, and the farmer, at whose farm we stopped to read scripture and pray, is still talking about it... in a good way!
We are creating a 'Walk of Words' around our church yard, an idea first developed at St Oswald’s, Ashbourne, which we are gratefully adapting as something creative for the many visitors that come to the village, to read and perhaps encounter Christ, as they do so, alongside the many wildflowers and far-reaching views that our church yard offers them.
A pilgrim church
St Giles is a pilgrim church, on the pilgrim way from Ilam to Eyam, many people pre-pandemic, visited the church to get their little books stamped, we always welcomed them and look forward to doing so again soon.
It seems wrong not to have the door to God’s house open every day, as was our custom, but that is how it is just now. Strange times!
However, we are not wasting time, there is much to do, a new heating system for one thing, followed by a kitchen (we are known for our cakes after services with a cup of 'proper' coffee and lots of chat, which we miss very much!) and loos must happen, they really must.
The essential people - and their skills!
This leads neatly on to the essential people we are blessed to have, those who are good with money, our treasurer is one, every PCC needs one of those!
Other skills recently discovered include, skilled engineers, singers, readers, fundraisers, trained safeguarding officer, artists and multi-taskers and planners - one of whom supplied this quote when asked where they see God at work: 'Right here - encouraging and building up our Church family, both in numbers and faith, so that we can serve the community that we are in, being both light and salt.'
Another: 'By showing God’s love in action we are building new confidence in God.'
We want to be good listeners, who are rooted within the community, visible and active, carrying out jobs for God, with love, humour and compassion.
None of these require a vicar, but it will be good to have one somewhere, sometime soon, please God, to teach, nourish, support and lead us, someone to share things with, someone we can grow with, oh, and someone who can take the weddings and baptisms, because much as we would like to, we are not allowed to!
We have learnt to think outside our boxes, to listen to others, to try to create a sense of belonging within our growing congregation, to believe that if God wants us to do something He will show us how, and He does, thank you Lord.
Our story continues...
Learn more about St Giles Hartington at: www.hartingtonchurch.org
Bishop Libby has been encouraging us all to pray ahead of Sunday's Euro 2020 final between England and Italy.
Over the past few days, Bishop Libby, who is the Church of England's designated bishop for sport, has appeared on BBC East Midlands Today, BBC Radio Derby and BBC Radio 5Live to relect on the tournament and to pray for fairness and respect during England's semi-final match against Denmark and Sunday's final between England and Italy.
(Video courtesy BBC East Midlands Today)
Here is a prayer you can use ahead of Sunday's final:
God of grace and mercy,
for all that gives us joy and offers us hope,
we give you thanks.
We rejoice that we are brought together,
across our rich and vibrant diversity, in celebration and shared experience -
and we pray the goodness of all that will last long beyond Sunday
(whatever the result).
You know the desires of our hearts,
and we know those hopes are echoed in hearts across Italy,
as they were in Denmark and Spain over these past few days.
And so, as we turn to you again in prayer,
we do not ask for victory (though we are honest in naming that want it) –
rather we ask, one more, that striving for excellence
will be marked by humility and fair play
and rooted in respect for others, on and of the pitch.
May our desire to win not overwhelm our common humanity
and may we, finally, find our hope and peace in you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Learning in Faith Bitesize is a new way for you to learn from the Diocese of Derby at home.
These bitesize courses and videos can typically be done in half an hour or less using nothing more than your computer, tablet or phone.
Choose your learning category
- Churchwardens and Officers
- Mission, Evangelism and Discipleship
- Children's and Youth Work
- Spirituality and Prayer
- Community
Churchwardens and Officers
-
PCC treasurer basicsBook-keeping, banking, accounts and how to submit your online finance return. For: PCC treasurers Interactive lesson Approx. time: 30 mins -
Being a PCC secretaryKey tasks, agendas and meetings, and the Church Representation Rules relevant to the PCC. For: PCC Secretaries Interactive lesson 30 mins -
Can I be a churchwarden?Five things you need to know if you are considering becoming a churchwarden in the Diocese of Derby. Video 30 secs -
Being a churchwardenWhether you’re an experienced warden or new to the role, this module will tell you all the basics you need to know. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 35 mins -
Churches as community buildingsBuilding strong, lasting relationships with the whole community is central to effective mission. For churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
The DAC and facultiesUseful information about how the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) can help you and facts about faculties. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 35 mins -
Faculty applicationsThis module will tell you need to know about how to make, and what to include, in a faculty application. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Church buildings management throughout the yearKnow what you need to do throughout the year to look after your church building. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Leading Worship at Short NoticeWhat you need to know and what you can and can't do when leading worship. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Leading intercessionsHow to lead God's people in prayer. For: Churchwardens Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
- 1
Mission, Evangelism and Discipleship
-
What is a Pioneer?We all know we have pioneer clergy in the diocese - but what IS a pioneer? Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
A pioneer is...Pioneers from the Diocese of Derby share their thoughts Type: video Duration: 6m 39s
- 1
Children's and Youth Work
-
Running a Children's Group at ChurchHow to get started running a group for children in your church. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Could you be a Church Children's Leader?The skills and training needed to be a children's leader in church. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
- 1
Spirituality and Prayer
-
Leading IntercessionsHow to lead God's people in prayer. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
-
Planning a Prayer WalkTop tips and information for planning a prayer walk near you. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Spirituality in Later LifeDementia and creating a dementia-friendly church. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins
- 1
Community
-
Becoming an Eco ChurchWhat is to be an eco church and why you should become one. Interactive lesson Approx time: 30 mins -
Eco Church resource sheetDownload our Bitesize resource sheet for useful information on becoming an Eco Church. .pdf -
Going green - a tale of two churchesHow two churches in the Diocese of Derby lowered their carbon footprints. Type: video Dur: 5 mins 39 secs
- 1
Watch the video to find out more about learning in Faith | Bitesize.
