News and Events
The Church of England’s National Giving Team made 50 contactless giving devices available to parishes in the Diocese of Derby for free and this week they have been distributed ready for immediate use.
The National Giving Team recognises the many new challenges which influence our ability to sustain Gods work in our parish churches.
As we evolve into a cashless society, parishes need to consider the various methods available to allow generosity.
Steve Johnson, Living Generously Advisor for the Diocese of Derby said “This is an amazing opportunity to enable church visitors to support the ministry in our parishes, whether they are members of the congregation, attending a special event, or just taking some quiet time in your church, a contactless giving device allows their generosity to become a reality. God calls everyone to be generous. Generosity through contactless donations enables transformed lives, a growing church, and the building of community. The Kingdom of God – Good News for all”
Quotes from the Diocese of Derby Digital Contactless Donation Device Rollout 2023
Representatives from St Helen’s Etwall said "I just wanted to thank Steve for a very well-prepared session, you've done a great job here! We were impressed by the device, ease of use and functionality…The great news is that it can be left in church, plugged in permanently".
Representatives from All Saints Youlgreave said "A huge, huge thank you for organising today. I was so excited to pick up the device and it is so easy to manage. I cannot believe all the campaign pages and screens were set up for each church! Just in time for well dressings too which is just amazing! This is such a wonderful way for small churches in parishes to help themselves grow financially and with the sharp decline in cash in recent years, such a wonderful and timely grant to support parish churches like our beautiful church here in Youlgreave. I know it will do wonders for our fundraising and the sustainability of the church in the future.
For more information on contactless giving and living generously, please contact Steve Johnson, Living Generously Advisor at steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org or 01332 278151.
Anne Sherwood, church warden at St Philip’s Chaddesden has received the “Community Hero Award” at the Derby Volunteer Awards on Thursday, 1 June 2023.
She received the award for her tireless work each week as the church warden and chief caterer at St Philip’s, and community shop volunteer at the Aspire Community Alliance at St Marks Derby.
Anne is a key part of the church community. You can find her providing meals and caring for the those who visit the community café on Thursdays, serving breakfasts on one Saturday each month, supporting school events, running toddler and craft groups and assisting other groups who use the space and need a hand, such as Derby County Community Trust and Derby Adult Learning Service.
She pours her heart and soul into the community and without her so much would cease to function.
Anne said, “I am so pleased to accept the award and share it with my colleagues in Aspire (St Mark’s) and at St Philip's. Five hundred years ago, St Teresa of Avila wrote, ‘Christ has no body on earth but yours.’ and so challenged Christians to demonstrate God’s love through personal service to others. Volunteering provides opportunities to pay back a lifetime of blessings, but it is certainly not one-sided. It’s a social experience working alongside others and supporting each other to achieve results. Volunteering can be FUN. – Try it!”.
Revd Sarah Watson, Area Dean for Derby City Deanery and Enabling Minister for St Philip’s Chaddesden, said “I am absolutely delighted that Anne has won this award. She really is an unsung hero who gives so much to this community as an outworking of her faith in Jesus. In her acceptance speech she spoke of the teams she works with; this is a real example of the Body of Christ in action, all playing their part in seeing lives transformed and touched by the Kingdom of God”.
The event took place during Volunteers Week 2023 and was presented by Community Action Derby and Derby Volunteer Centre in partnership with Derby Homes.
>> Learn more about Community Action Derby
>> Learn more about St Philip’s Chaddesden
Photos taken by S.H Photos and used by permission of Community Action Derby.
Bishop Malcolm has crowned King Charles in a special service in Derbyshire.
Charles (his real name) aged 7, was crowned King at Melbourne Infant School.
The Coronation was watched by scores of pupils and teachers at the school, who cheered as the new King greeted them wearing his ancient crown and robe and carrying his ceremonial sceptre.
Following the ceremony, the Year 2 pupil said: "It was very exciting.
"The best bit was when the crown was put on my head.
"As King, I will visit every class during the day and take part in their lessons."
Bishop Malcolm said: "It was a privilege to be asked to be part of this historic occasion and to meet so many of the pupils at Melbourne Infant School.
"Apparently, there is another coronation happening tomorrow in London, so the pupils will hopefully now have a good idea of what it's all about!"
King Charles and Bishop Malcolm were assisted by Revd Steve Short, Vicar of Melbourne, and by the school's headteacher, Mrs Gibbs, who said: "This is a historic event in the lives of our children and something that they will not have seen before!
"We felt it was important to mark the event in a special way.
"All week in school we have been doing coronation crafts, lessons and workshops and today’s coronation ceremony will top off our celebrations!
"All the children were so excited for the coronation – especially our King Charles himself!"
Derbyshire has its very own version of the Bayeux Tapestry to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Residents in the parish of Brailsford and Ednaston worked together to create the impressive embroidery, which measures 10.85 metres.
The project was organised by Brailsford and Ednaston Churches Together.
Planning committee member Lucy Thompson had the idea of creating the commemorative embroidery, drawing on the history of All Saints Church in Brailsford and village resident Laura Burrill, a community arts practitioner, was commissioned to design the embroidery and facilitate workshops throughout March.
Working together with residents, Laura created a design depicting an imagined scenario of the coronation day, with villagers parading from community buildings to the King and his royal party.
The section depicting the Coronation is flanked by hundreds of small squares embroidered with motifs inspired by the things villagers love about the place they live.
The connection between Brailsford and Ednaston goes back to the Domesday Book where Brailsford was awarded ‘a priest and half a church’ and Ednaston ‘half a church’ resulting in All Saints Church, situated between the two villages.
The Brailsford Bayeux was unveiled at a special service in All Saints Church on Saturday, 29 April attended by Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby and Revd Andy Fyall, Nottingham and Derby Methodist District Chair.
The tapestry will be on display over the Coronation weekend.
After the Coronation celebrations, it is hoped that the tapestry will be on display in various places locally throughout the year.
Some interesting facts about the Brailsford Bayeux:
- 406 small squares (4x the original goal) were completed by individuals and groups in the community. Each square shares memories, love, and gratitude.
- A team of 26 worked the main panel in just seven weeks.
- 292 members of the community were involved, the youngest being 2 and the eldest 94.
- The tapestry went from idea to finished result in less than 16 weeks.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has admitted ten new readers in a special service held at Derby Cathedral.
Seven were admitted and licensed as readers and three were admitted as readers with permission to officiate.
Speaking to them at the service, Bishop Libby Said: "I am pleased and privileged to admit you as readers in the Diocese of Derby.
"Readers are a really important part of ministry as together we seek to help more people in the diocese to know Jesus.
"May the Lord give you wisdom, courage, strength and love to do his will."
>> See the photos from the Celebration of Reader Ministry with the Admission & Licensing of Readers
Those admitted are:
David Beale, to serve in Parish of Longstone
Caroline Carr, to serve in the Benefices of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, Gresley and Newhall
Sara Eames, to serve in the Benefice of Alvaston
Alison Henshaw, to serve in the Benefice of Chellaston
Terry Nash, to serve in the Parish of Allenton and Shelton Lock
Margaret Roberts, to serve in the Benefice of Glossop
Garry Sherwood, to serve in the Benefice of Stanton by Dale with Dale Abbey and Risley
Christine Walker, to serve in the Benefice of Matlock Bank and Tansley
Andrew Walley, to serve in the Benefice of Etwall with Egginton
Judi Witcomb, to serve in the Benefice of Mickleover and Radbourne.
Please pray for them all and for the communities where they will serve.
Readers in the Church of England are licensed lay ministers whose ministry can include a range of responsibilities including preaching, teaching and leading worship.
There are more than 8,500 readers actively involved in ministry in the Church of England today.
The new readers are welcomed by family, friends and colleagues
The Dean of Derby, the Bishop of Derby and His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire invite you to a Special Commemorative Service for the Coronation on Sunday, 7 May 2023.
The service, at Derby Cathedral, will start at 17:15 and those attending are asked to be in their seats by 17:00.
All are welcome to attend.
The Very Reverend Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: "The coronation is a significant moment in the life of both the Church of England and the nation, and it is right that we should celebrate it with prayer, thanks and worship.
"This service will also help the communities of Derby and Derbyyshire prepare for The Big Help Out, which takes place the following day."
Three long-serving and dedicated members of the diocesan community have received Maundy money at this year's presentation, held at York Minster.
Canon Jack Cooper and Val Grahl were nominated for the honour by Bishop Libby.
It was the such service since the King's accession to the throne
Canon Jack, from Hathersage, is a PCC member, serves on Peak Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council.
Val Grahl is a lay member of Chapter at Derby Cathedral, has served as co-chair of the Community Committee and is currently Interim Chair of the Cathedral Council.
They were joined at the service by Joan Plant, from Eyam, who was nominated by Buckingham Palace.
Joan has been churchwarden at Eyam St Lawrence and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.
Special memories
Describing the occasion, Val Grahl said: "It was a very, very special day.
"King Charles presented me with the two purses, one red and one white, and held my hand and said how pleased he was to be able to give them to me.
"I simply replied, 'thank you, Your Majesty' as there was no time for a conversation, but it left me with a feeling of awe and sheer privilege to have received it from the King."
In the white purse were seven sets of silver 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p coins and an additional 4p coin - totalling 74p and signifying the King's age.
The red purse contained a silver 50 pence piece with the King's head and a depiction of the Windrush Generation, and a silver £5 coin embossed with the King's head and the number 75 to signify his next birthday.
There were about 2000 people in York Minster and they were treated to some 'wonderful organ music' before the service began, including works from Handel, Mendelssohn, Bairstow and Franck.
"The service itself began with a fanfare," said Val. "And then 2000 people singing Praise to the Holiest sent a shiver down my spine!
"The organisation was superb - so smooth - and there were people on hand to help with everything.
"I will never forget the special feeling of being in the Minster with the King and all those people."
In total, 74 men and 74 women received Maundy money, 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 older members of society, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.
Christ Church, Hulland has been awarded a silver Eco Church award. Below are a few of the main initiatives undertaken in the five areas of church life that helped them achieve the award.
Worship
- Worship leaders followed the Green Lectionary during Creationtide.
- Messy Church Goes Wild had an outdoors nature scavenger hunt and an indoor session reflecting on creation.
- In Great Big Green Week, we presented ‘What is Eco Church?’ to our Mothers’ Union branch, followed by an eco- quiz.
The Church building
- We calculated the carbon footprint of our church in 2022 and agreed to attempt yearly improvements in energy efficiency.
- We continued with a recycling collection point for medication blister packs in the porch.
The Churchyard
- We had a ‘Churches Count on Nature’ event in June –see photo. Interested members of the church & community surveyed the churchyard on 2 occasions. We identified 110 species of plants and animals. Our records were sent to the National Biodiversity database.
- We installed a 3rd bird box and 2 bird feeders.
- We continued to manage the Conservation Area for nature as well as people.
Lifestyle
- Our church email and weekly Pews News regularly included items relating to caring for God’s earth and eco-tips towards a sustainable lifestyle.
- We had a Jigsaw Swap Sunday to facilitate re-use of puzzles.
Community and global engagement
- Letters, endorsed by the PCC, were written to our MP and County Councillor asking them to address nature loss and climate change as a priority in their recommendations and decision making.
- We continued to be a Fairtrade church.
- We twinned our toilet with one in Malawi through the Tear Fund scheme.
- We encouraged another church in our Benefice to get started with Eco Church
Penny Northall, Eco-church lead and PCC member said: “I would like to thank our Rector, Rev. Phil Michell, other worship leaders and the PCC for being so supportive in this eco-church endeavour. We are now working towards a gold award.”
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.
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.
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
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
Hundreds of people walked through Derby to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, starting the biggest conflict in Europe sice World War II.
Accompanied by a giant Ukrainian flag, members of a number of communities, including the Ukrainian community, civic dignitaries and the Dean of Derby, processed from Cathedral Green, along Full Street, through the Market Place, along Iron Gate and to Derby Cathedral.
>> In pictures: Derby's Ukraine 365 walk
Many of the walkers carried candles, sunflowers and Ukrainian flags, and once they arrived at the cathedral they placed candles in the formation of '365' at the foot of the tower.
Iryna Dobrowolskyj, a leader of the Ukrainian community in Derby, said: "Ukraine has had 365 days of war, 365 days of aggression, but it has also received 365 days of kindness, 365 days of support, 365 days of love."
Inside the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, led the communities in prayer, standing behind a candle whose flame had been burning continuously for each of the 365 days.
He said: "Today is hugely significant and I have felt quite emotional.
"We pray for the people of Ukraine and their families and we pray for an end to the war, conflict, violence and suffering.
"We thank God for the love and support that Ukrainians all over the world have received."
People were invited to write messages of support and solidarity on petals that were added to a specially created Sunflower of Hope.
The event included a film and music installation by local artist Phil Harris and was also supported by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre and Derby CAN (Derby Creative Arts Network)
On Sunday, 26th February, local leaders of the Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Baha’i and Quaker faiths will offer prayers and readings at a vigil scheduled to start at 2pm, also in Derby Cathedral.
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.
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.
We are building this communications toolkit to help parishes understand and develop best communications practice.
If there is anything you would like to see covered, email communications@derby.anglican.org
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