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St Werburgh’s Church in Derby is launching an online course to help couples through this difficult lockdown period.

The free, seven-week course is designed to help couples strengthen their relationship.

We are all having to spend a lot more time with each other than we might normally do.

Couples are having to navigate the pressure of being with their partner day in day out, possibly home schooling, working from home or struggling financially through this season and this brings about obvious challenges.

Phil Mann, lead minister at St Werburgh’s said: “When the lockdown in Wuhan started to lift, the numbers of couples applying for divorce skyrocketed and St Werburgh’s hopes that this course will go some way to avoiding similar problems in Derby by helping couples across the city to invest in their relationships during this time.

“My wife and I have been married for 17 years and have done the marriage course twice now.

"It has really helped us; we have learnt so much and grown through it so we are offering this free of charge to anyone who feels like it might help them.”

The original Marriage Course was founded by the Revd Nicky and Sila Lee at Holy Trinity Brompton over 20 years ago and has helped more than 1 million people.

It is for anyone who is married or in a long-term relationship seeking practical support to strengthen their relationship, keep the spark alive and stay connected.

It has now been adapted for use online.

Over seven sessions, the course covers: Strengthening Connection, The Art of Communication, Resolving Conflict, The Power of Forgiveness, The Impact of Family, Good Sex and Love in Action.

A new episode is released each Monday evening.

The course is designed so that couples only have to talk to each other, so no one is going to ask them any personal questions. It is designed for everybody - it is not just for people who go to church, or for people whose relationships are in difficulties.

To sign up go to ​https://stwderby.org/marriagecourse

Media

Last modified on Sunday, 17 May 2020 01:12

This week (10-16 May) is Christian Aid Week and this year it will be somewhat different.

Churches across the diocese are being invited to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable people in new and innovative ways.

The coronavirus outbreak threatens the health of our neighbours near and far.

Together we must respond quickly to help the most vulnerable.

Coronavirus has shown us that our futures are bound more tightly together than ever before.

And now it is spreading across the world’s poorest countries, putting people living in poverty at great risk.  

These people are already facing a lack of water, food and healthcare.

Some are homeless. Some are living with underlying health issues such as HIV.

As coronavirus infection rates speed up, they will feel the impacts of the virus deeply. We must respond now.

Coronavirus impacts all of us. But love unites us all.

Giving 
Donations can be made via the website christianaid.org.uk or by telephone on 020 7523 2269.

Virtual prayer and reflections 
Daily until Saturday 16 May at 11am 
Live daily reflections from Christian Aid staff and partners overseas.

Christian Aid Community online 
Daily until Saturday 16 May at 7.30pm 
Daily fun quizzes for the whole family.

Quiztian Aid!  
Hosted by Revd Kate Bottley, Dr Rowan Williams and Giles Fraser. 
Put your thinking caps on for a pre-recorded quiz.


The Christian Aid Week website has a wealth of resources including:

  • Order of service for virtual Christian Aid Week services
  • Prayers in the time of coronavirus
  • TV quiz
  • Donation forms
  • Children's activity sheet
Traditionally, volunteers across the diocese would be arranging door-to-door donations with envelopes.
This year, you can send an electronic donation envelope - an ‘e-envelope’ – to friends and family.

Visit the Christian Aid Week website for more information, resources and to get involved.

Last modified on Monday, 11 May 2020 15:52

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, the Bishop of Derby, has made her maiden speech in the House of Lords - and in doing so has become the first bishop to make their maiden speech virtually.

Bishop Libby spoke as part of a debate brought by the Most Revd John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, on the case for increasing income equality in the light of the recent health emergency (Covid-19).

In her allotted two minutes, Bishop Libby drew particular attention to the disproportionate and detrimental impact income inequality and lack of sustainability has on children and their households.

Bishop Libby said: "In this national time of emergency, we know there is much to be done to respond to every child, to keep all our children and young people safe, to support the mental health and well-being of our children, and to protect children and their families facing increased financial insecurity as a result of this crisis.

"The inequalities that affect the more than 4 million children in poverty in our country run deep and are systemic, so solutions need to be long-term and sustainable.

"When asked about the Kindom of God, Jesus brought among them and said 'Of such is the Kindom of Heaven'. 

"I thank your Noble Lords for your patience in hearing my plea that we put children at the heart of our work for a more just and equitable, sustainable society."

Yesterday, the Church of England and the Child Poverty Action Group released a joint report ‘No one knows what the future can hold’, calling for the suspension of the two child limit in Universal credit.

In her speech, Bishop Libby also made reference to the work of The Children's Society and praised diocesan staff, clergy and congregations for their work during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Media

Last modified on Tuesday, 30 June 2020 17:16

Here are some useful digital resources for parishes to help engage more online, navigate the legalities and receive online donations.

For further help or information, please contact the communications team: communications@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388680.

 

Receiving donations online

To set up a provider to receive and process online donations for you, and receive a significant discount in some cases: 

>> Parish Buying website
>> Parish Resources website

>> Add a donation button to your ACNY page
>> Add a donation button to your website

 

Copyright and licence information

>> What copyright is and how it will affect you
>> Read the latest copyright guidance from the Church of England, including advice on live streaming licences
>> Live streaming worship music and staying legal
>> CCLI licence
>> ONE licence
>> Performing Rights Society (PRS)

 

Zoom

>> How to use Zoom for a church meeting, Bible study, prayer session or small group
>> Zoom plans and pricing
>> Zoom security

 

Video

>> A beginner’s guide to live streaming
>> Going live FAQ
>> How to set up to film a video on a smartphone
>> How to premiere a video on Facebook and YouTube
>> How to improve the quality of audio in video recordings
>> How to upload a video with Facebook Creator Studio
>> How to create subtitles

 

Social Media

>> Diocese of Derby's Social Media Guidelines
>> Online social media courses from the CofE
>> Facebook: Pages vs groups vs profiles
>> Facebook pages for churches

>> How to set up a YouTube channel
>> How to create an Instagram profile and business profile
>> How to use Instagram stories
>> How to schedule a post on Facebook and Instagram with Creator Studio
>> Paid advertising: How to boost a Facebook post

 

Other useful platforms

>> How to create and invite to a WhatsApp group
>> WhatsApp group calls
>> Skype group calls

 

A Church Near You
Please note: the diocesan communications team cannot grant you access to your A Church Near You Page - but we can help you get access if you are struggling. Please follow the instructions under 'Become an editor' first.

Become an editor
Editor help centre - Please contact the help centre if your request to edit has not been approved
Create a page
Embed a video
Add a livestream tag to your page to appear on the livestream map
The Resource Hub (for editors)

 

Photography and design tools

The Diocese of Derby photography guidelines
www.canva.com Free design tool
www.spark.adobe.com
www.unsplash.com
www.pixabay.com
www.pexels.com
www.freepik.com

 

Safeguarding

Contact the diocesan safeguarding team
Read the Safer Environments Guide for sharing images and video online [PDF]
Advice for using digital conferencing with youth from the Safeguarding team

Last modified on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 14:38

Jennie Gill, a teacher from South Darley VC Primary School, reflects on a group of teachers and students in Derbyshire Church Schools with a shared concern for a community of Kolkata slum schools.

If you saw the recent film ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood’, a biopic with Tom Hanks playing America’s much-loved children’s TV presenter Fred Rogers, then you may recognise this quote:

"When I was a boy and I would see something scary in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

Our communities have come together in the last few weeks in ways that we have never seen before, with people running errands, making deliveries, chatting by telephone or even just smiling as we pass in the street so that no-one has to be alone in their isolation.

There are all those who are working in shops and factories to make sure that the rest of us have everything we need and the weekly applause for our healthcare workers to let them know that we see them and how much we appreciate them.

There is a particular group of teachers and students in Derbyshire Church Schools with a shared concern for a community of Kolkata slum schools.

As part of the Diocese of Derby’s long-term link with the Church of North India, a growing number of Derbyshire schools have been partnered with a Kolkata school, one of approximately 20 that are run and resourced by the Kolkata Cathedral Relief Service (CRS).  

kolkata covid rice

For the last five years we have visited them, worked with them, come to know and love their teachers and children.

Now in the midst of the pandemic we worry for them, especially because we know that so many of the measures we have put into place to keep ourselves safer will be impossible for them.

You may have seen a social media post from an Indian doctor who points out that to practise social distancing or to wash your hands more often, with soap in clean water, means that you have privileges not enjoyed by a large proportion of the world’s population.

It is those who were the poorest to begin with who are most at risk from this illness.

But here too, there are helpers. The CRS staff, led by Rig David, are always inspiringly creative and completely relentless in their mission to support the communities around them.

Gradually news is filtering through to the Derbyshire teachers about deliveries of food parcels, even to the most remote of the CRS projects, supported by the local police who have given permission for the CRS staff to make those journeys during the lockdown.

Some messages have arrived from individual Kolkata teachers to let us know that they are safe.

Many of us, and our schools, have donated to the emergency appeal set up by the Friends of CRS and sent our own messages of encouragement.

And each time a little snippet of news arrives it is shared excitedly around the network of Derbyshire teachers.

As we cheer on Rig and his team and continue to pray for them, we could not be more proud to be part of this global community and the work that God is doing here with the people we love.

The scary things in the news are going to carry on for a while but we are thankful for so many opportunities, even in lockdown, to be part of the much more powerful story of hope being written by all of God’s helpers around the world.

rice and potatoes bagged for delivery

Last modified on Thursday, 07 May 2020 14:52

Derby Cathedral has announced The Venerable Peter Robinson as the next Dean of Derby.

Peter is currently the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne in the Diocese of Newcastle, a position he has held since 2008.

There, he holds responsibility as chair of the Newcastle Diocesan Board of Education, as lead for community engagement in Northumberland, and for rural delivery of the diocesan vision.

Peter worked in the oil industry before being ordained in 1995; he trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall in Durham and served his curacy in North Shields.

Following his curacy, he became priest in charge at St. Martin’s, Byker - where he was highly successful in bringing together a challenging inner-city community, designing a new church building and attracting a visit from the home secretary to showcase the community’s achievement. He has also been director of the Urban Ministry and Theology project in Newcastle before his current role.

Peter said: “I feel honoured to have been appointed Dean of Derby. I look forward to working with new colleagues and to engaging with the all Derby Cathedral’s stakeholders in the city, across Derbyshire, the whole diocese and beyond.

“I am only too aware that my arrival coincides with a time when we are having to imagine new ways of worshiping and relating to each other as Christian people.

“My hope and prayer is that we will be able to reimagine the life of our cathedral in the years to come, to deepen its local impact and to serve the communities and parishes of the diocese.”

He will take up his new position in the summer, as the coronavirus restrictions allow.

The Right Reverend Libby Lane, the Bishop of Derby, said: “I am delighted to welcome Peter as Dean of Derby. He is a man of inspiring faith, with a remarkable breadth of ministerial and professional experience. Peter is someone with a combination of deep love for people and place, and the capacity to think and act with strategic clarity. I look forward to working with him in the city and across the diocese.

“We are very blessed that God has called him to serve among us. I ask you to join me in praying for Peter and Sarah as they prepare to move, and for ourselves as we seek God’s Kingdom together.”

The news was also welcomed by the Bishop of Newcastle, The Right Revd Christine Hardman: “Peter Robinson has served the Diocese of Newcastle as Archdeacon of Lindisfarne with outstanding dedication, and I am delighted that the Church has discerned God’s call on him to be Dean of Derby, he will be a blessing to the Diocese of Derby. His contribution to the senior leadership team and to the life of the Diocese of Newcastle over the last twenty-five years has been significant, and deeply appreciated. Peter will be greatly missed, and he and Sarah leave us with our love and prayers as they move to Derby.”

Peter is married to Sarah, and they look forward to making the family home in Derby. They have two sons in their late 20s, Charles and Richard. In his spare time Peter will be found in the arts and cultural areas of Derby, or reading contemporary fiction, or listening to all types of music. Otherwise, you will see him on his mountain bike, at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, at Pride Park or even trying to improve his golf!

Peter joins Derby Cathedral at a time when the Cathedral's place at the heart of the community, responding to the present crisis, is more important than ever.

The Cathedral has developed new ways to reach and engage with people and is looking forward to continuing that and to being able to reopen as a gathering place and a focus of meaning for the people of Derby and Derbyshire.

In the building there are exciting plans for reshaping the interior as a place of worship and a community hub, for refurbishment of the Compton organ to further the Cathedral's role as a centre of excellence for music-making, and for using digital technology to help visitors discover the historical and spiritual riches of the Cathedral.

Derby Cathedral School will be starting its third year when the new dean arrives, and Peter will continue to build the relationship of both the cathedral and the school with the city.

There is much about the future that is hard to predict but Peter's role will be pivotal in the future of the cathedral and the city of Derby.

Media

Last modified on Tuesday, 05 May 2020 10:25

The Communications Office is based at Derby Church House and is open 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday

You can contact us during office hours on 01332 388671 or by email: communications@derby.anglican.org 

In an emergency out of hours, call 07540 120899 but please note this number is not monitored 24/7.

  • Faith in the countryside 2024 events leaflet

    We are in the process of compiling events to feature in this year’s ‘Faith in the Countryside’ events leaflet.

    The leaflet will promote various church-based events such as well dressings, flower festivals, concerts, exhibitions, special services, fairs/fetes etc taking place in the Diocese of Derby between April and October. The leaflet will be distributed towards the end of March.

    Advertise your events by completing this online form for each event you would like to be considered for inclusion. All entries must be received by Sunday, 25 February 2024. Entries received after this date will not be included.
    See More
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Communications team

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What we do

The Communications team provides communications support for parishes and churches in the Diocese of Derby, the bishops, Derby Church House and Derby Cathedral.

We do this in a number of ways, including:

  • Helping parishes and churches to tell their good news stories
  • Providing parishes and churches with support for press and media enquiries
  • Our regular publications
  • Our Facebook and Instagram profiles make it easy to stay in touch with the latest news from our parishes and bishops
  • Regular communications training for parishes and churches
  • Supporting churches with A Church Near You
  • This website provides some of the latest news as well as details of diocesan meetings and jobs

 

 

Youth bell ringing at Old Brampton has been 'highly commended' by the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART).

The young ringers were nominated for the Sarah Beacham Youth Group Award, for youth groups who are successfully recruiting, retaining and developing young ringers, at an awards ceremony in March.

They were awarded a prize of £200 to be spent on benefitting youth ringing at Old Brampton.

The young ringers take part in local and national ringing events, as well as enjoying ringing at Old Brampton and at other towers in Derbyshire.

Tower Captain Sue Hall said: "I am so proud of the young ringers for this achievement.

"The judges were particularly impressed that the youngsters included ringing in their school projects and presentations, and that they continue to enjoy ringing at university and take part in ringing events across the country."

old brampton ART Award 2020 web

As well as being fun, ringing provides confidence and builds teamwork and leadership skills.

One ringer, Ruby, said: "It makes me feel happy, it's different from anything else I do, and I enjoy seeing my friends."

Whilst another, Rowan, added: "There are loads of opportunities to try different things in different places with your friends."

A flexible approach to attendance allows the young people to pursue other activities as well as ringing.

Ringers from Old Brampton who are now at university also enjoy the friendship and support of their university ringing societies.

The young ringers have been voting to decide how the award money should be spent to benefit youth ringing at Old Brampton.

Ringing at Old Brampton will resume in due course, including lessons for any young person or adult who wishes to give it a try.

For further information and contacts please visit facebook.com/BellRingingDerbyshire or bellringing.org

What the young ringers said:

Ruby: 'It makes me feel happy, it's different from anything else I do, and I enjoy seeing my friends.'
Rowan: 'There are loads of opportunities to try different things in different places with your friends.'
Joseph: 'It's like one big family.'
Tom: 'I enjoy ringing at church and in the wider ringing community.'
Lucy: 'I like learning new methods.'
Alice: 'I enjoy being part of a group and progressing my knowledge of ringing.'


Last modified on Thursday, 30 April 2020 16:37

Download the Diocese of Derby Zoom Guide for Attendees [PDF]

Information provided by EMSOU, the East Midlands Special Operations Unit of the five police forces in the East Midlands region.

When it comes to Video Conferencing, for many, the sudden adoption of remote working, social
distancing and self-isolation has created a demand for simple easy ways to stay in touch with
family, friends and co-workers.

The demand has popularised many apps and one of the most talked about in Cyber Security
circles is Zoom, a video chat platform, available in both free and paid for versions.

Unfortunately, Zoom has received quite a lot of adverse publicity because of a number of
important security flaws. Criticism has ranged from uninvited people joining your conversation
to deliver racist messages or pornographic images, to poor encryption methods that mean
private conversations are not always private.

The guidance below has been written for home and business users that may have adopted
zoom, for its ease of use, availability and in the absence of a paid for service.


WHAT CAN I DO?

For those of you using Zoom, make sure you have the latest version of their software. Click
your user icon and select 'Check for Updates'. Usually, updates fix known security flaws.
Running anti-virus software or a firewall on your computer and keeping software up-to-date
will improve your security.

If you are holding public meetings, where anyone can join the conversation, be sure to
configure screen-sharing settings.

Go to 'In Meeting (Basic)' and select 'host alone can share' or turn off screen sharing
entirely. This can also be controlled by the host during a meeting.

Finally, turn of 'Annotation', if you are worried about how people might annotate your shared
slide show.

Stop Uninvited Guests

Setting up a Zoom meeting creates a 9 digit ID. Anyone who has this ID can join the
conversation. Don’t advertise it publicly by posting it on your Social media.

If you use the 'Options Panel' when setting up a meeting, you can add an access password
too. Would-be trolls now need an ID and a password to gate crash your meeting.

Use the 'Advanced Options' to enable a 'Waiting Room'. This puts people in a holding area before you grant or deny them access to your conversation.
Organisers can lock the meeting once everyone who needs to has joined. Click Manage Participants >> More >> Lock Meeting.

Stay Private

The organiser of a meeting can record audio and video from the meeting. Also, anyone involved in a ‘private chat’ can save this as a log file.
Turn off video and mute yourself unless needed. This prevents video recording conversations in your home or exposing information inadvertently.

It is possible to encrypt your video calls in the settings panel, which will improve the confidentiality of your conversations. Be aware, however that there is no certainty as to whether this is end-to-end encryption.
Accessing Zoom through the browser is more secure than downloading the app. The feature is available on the log in screen when invited to a meeting, although hard to spot.

Always Be Aware

Your conversations may not be as private as you would like. Is Siri, Alexa or Google assistant in range? They will ALWAYS be listening and passing info back to their servers to maintain the connection and sampling purposes.

Final Thoughts

Whatever platform is chosen it is vital that all the security settings are reviewed and implemented as appropriate.

In circumstances where sensitive or confidential discussions are being held other providers, such as Google Duo, Skype, Face Time, WhatsApp and Webex might be alternatives.

Last modified on Friday, 05 June 2020 16:26

Sally-Anne Beecham, Curate in Bakewell Benefice and SS Augustine Chesterfield, reflects on how the coronavirus outbreak has shaped her curacy.

Like all clergy, the Covid-19 outbreak turned my ministry on its head.  

However, when most churches were asked to close their doors, the one I’m working in had an exemption to stay very much open.  

Overnight, Gussie’s Kitchen, the food project being run from Ss Augustine in Chesterfield, became the main food distribution hub for the town.  

Yesterday we delivered to 200 vulnerable households using a fantastic team of volunteer drivers and packers.  

My job has been to give information and offer support over the phone in my role as Chaplain - an incredible opportunity to reach out into the community.  

I’ve had many significant conversations and I pray that relationships built during these days will bear fruit in the future.  

Despite the many challenges, the shift in focus has created opportunities to model faith that were not present before, and it’s exciting to dream about how these can be progressed.

Since my ordination last year, the months have flown by, learning what it means to be a Christian presence in a rural town.

Relationship building is crucial

My highlights before lockdown have been out in the community getting used to my collar.  

As well as the usual services, I had been raft-racing, dressed up in the carnival, led school assemblies, processed through the town on Remembrance Sunday and played Gabriel outside the pubs in the town nativity.  

I was also involved in the beginning of a new congregation aimed at young families.

Overall, I’ve had my eyes opened to the challenges of juggling multiple churches and been overwhelmed by the faithfulness of those keeping the show on the road.  

I’m also learning that Jesus’ model of relationship building is crucial and is what our communities are crying out for, so I’m excited to see what God has in store for us next.


See also:

>> Meet some curates

>> Vocations: what is God's plan for you?

>> Gussie's Kitchen on Facebook

Last modified on Wednesday, 22 April 2020 17:02

Podcasts are a great way to engage with communities and congregations.

They are, effectively, short programmes that the listener can access at any time and from most smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Revd Andy Ward decided to use the free podcast service - Anchor - to reach out to local communities - and so the Moss Valley Pod was born!

It's a podcast from Eckington, Derbyshire, from the church to provide information, share ideas and generally keep spirits up.

Because church services are no longer taking place, the church launched the Moss Valley Pod to enable people to hear Bible reflections at home, rather than in church.

The idea then expanded to provide a platform to allow local organisations to keep in touch with people as situations constantly evolve.

Good news stories are always wanted for the Moss Valley Pod.

Revd Andy Walker said: “Times of crisis can bring out the best in people, 

“These stories need to be shared to give people hope in the days and months to come.”

The podcast is released every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

>> Listen to the Moss Valley Pod

Features include:
Community information
Bible readings
A thought for the day, based on those readings
Good news stories
Shout outs and thank yous

To get in touch, email mossvalley.pod@eckingtonchurch.org.uk

See also: How to use the Anchor.fm podcast service | Anchor's handy guide to starting your podcast

Last modified on Friday, 17 April 2020 15:53

‘They…fled from the tomb…and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid’

These were brave, tenacious women.

These women had made a choice to follow Jesus and stuck with him when others turned away.

These women supported Jesus, the gospel writer Mark tells us, risking reputation, livelihood and status when others found the costs too high.

These women were watching at the cross: they remained with Jesus to the bitter end, when others had abandoned him.

These women set out to offer the final act of loving service that had been denied him, when others hid in fear of the authorities.

These were brave, tenacious women.

But the empty tomb and news that Jesus has been raised from the dead, undid them. Sometimes, when we are holding ourselves together in the face of risk and fear, of uncertainty and loss, it is goodness that undoes us.

Like these women, many of us will have spent these past days being brave and tenacious – finding depths of determination and perseverance we didn’t know we had. And, truth be told, hiding, even from ourselves perhaps, the extent of our individual and shared trauma.

And it may be goodness that breaks through our protective armour. So, good news may be harder to hear this Easter than most years. But here it is:

You are beloved: precious and honoured in God’s sight,

And nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Jesus, who was crucified has been raised – and wherever you are this morning, whatever you are facing today, whatever you have had to deal with in these past few weeks, whatever the future may hold for you – the risen Jesus is there to meet you.

Those brave, tenacious women were undone by that good news, and

‘They…fled from the tomb…and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid’.

But fear did not, in the end, overcome love.

These woman took heart, literally ‘had courage’, and so the story continued.

Because of these women the story of God’s love continues – and through the centuries that good news has been carried and passed on, until we hear it afresh today:

“Do not be afraid; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here… he is going ahead of you”

So, my prayer, this Easter morning, is that we allow ourselves to be undone by love,

and, even in the midst of our fears, receive the good news of Jesus’ resurrection:

love has conquered death – Jesus is alive.

Alleluia.

Last modified on Sunday, 12 April 2020 09:21

Alleluia is the Easter refrain: ‘Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.’

Alleluia means ‘God be praised’ – and it may not seem there is much to praise God for this morning.

But for Christians the Easter story is the ultimate reminder that love conquers all

– that even death cannot defeat love.

‘Alleluia’ can be our song even, especially, in the midst of pain and uncertainty.

For the Easter ‘Alleluia’ is never arrogant or overbearing, it’s not blind to reality but deeply rooted in it.

Easter day is only possible after Good Friday.

The Easter story reminds us that love conquers all

– and nothing, nothing, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus

Early in his ministry Jesus outlined the characteristics of the Kingdom of God, and those who seek that Kingdom, in words that we call ‘the Beatitudes’. In them

Jesus turned the world’s understanding of what matters on its head, affirming the blessedness of those usually overlooked or scorned.

This week the cartoonist Dave Walker has rewritten the Beatitudes.

You might write your own, but here are his:

Blessed are those who stay indoors for they have protected others

Blessed are the unemployed and self-employed for their need of God is great

Blessed are the … shopkeepers for they are the purveyors of scarce things

Blessed are the delivery drivers and the postal workers for they are the bringers of essential things

Blessed are the hospital workers, the ambulance crews, the doctors, the nurses, the care assistants and the cleaners for they stand between us and the rgave, and the Kingdom of heaven is surely theirs

Blessed are the checkout workers and factory workers for they have patience and fortitude in the face of overwork and frustration

Blessed are the refuse collectors for they will see God despite the mountains of waste

Blessed are the teachers for they remain steadfast and constant in disturbing times

Blessed are the church workers (and faith leaders) for they are a comforting presence in a hurting world as they continue to signpost towards God

Blessed are the single parents for they are coping alone with their responsibilities and there is no respite

Blessed are those who are alone, for they are children of God and with Him they will never be lonely

Blessed are the bereaved, for whom the worst has already happened: they shall be comforted

Blessed are those who are isolated with their abusers for one day – we pray – they will know safety

Blessed are all during this time who have pure hearts; all who still hunger and thirst for justice; all who work for peace and model mercy.

Today, I do praise God for the hope that Jesus’ death and resurrection offers us all.

Today, I praise God for the signs of hope overcoming the pressures, limitations, and losses we currently face.

So, today, albeit quietly, I sing ‘Alleluia’

- and pray for you the grace, mercy, and peace of the risen Jesus this Easter.

Last modified on Sunday, 12 April 2020 09:31

In these two videos,Ven Carol Coslett, Archdeacon of Chesterfield, talks about the Feast of the Passover and how it became the Last Supper.

Archdeacon Carol also talks about what makes a meal special - and the best meal you've ever had!

 

 

Last modified on Friday, 10 April 2020 09:45

Revd Liz England, of Buxton Team Parish, writes on Facebook:

Being Church while the buildings are closed

An idea for gathering together for a new kind of Church service...

We gather together at the same time to worship, in our separate homes, at usual service times, knowing that many of us will be worshipping at the same time; either with others in our household or on our own.

And how about setting an empty plate at the dinner table to remember Christ sits and eats with us, in communion with us, his friends. 

As we look at how to continue to be the church during this period of uncertainty, many of us will be missing the opportunity to share the Eucharist, Holy Communion together.

I thought it may help to go back to the very first Last Supper when Jesus shared a simple meal with his friends.

I would suggest putting out an extra empty plate as we sit to eat our meals each Sunday, to simply remind us that our Lord Jesus Christ sits and eats with us, in communion with us, his friends.

>> More ideas and inspiration

Last modified on Monday, 06 April 2020 12:11

A video from Bishop Libby - A Strange Place

Media

Last modified on Tuesday, 31 March 2020 11:36
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01332 388650

Email: 

enquiries@derby.anglican.org

Who's who at Derby Church House

Map and parking information

 

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