News and Events
We love all the creative and different ways churches are engaging with their parishes and beyond.
Our vision is The Kingdom of God, Good News for All and it's great to see how so many churches in the Diocese of Derby are sharing stories of their success in achieving transformed lives through growing church and building community.
Here are a few that have caught our eye recently:
- All
- Art
- Churchyards
- Heritagedays
- Towertours
Bishop Malcolm and his wife, Pam, visited Burundi in East Africa during July and spent time with the Diocese of Bujumbura, learning about ministry and mission in a very different context to the Diocese of Derby.
Bishop Malcolm writes:
Burundi is the poorest country in the world – the one thing it has in common with Derbyshire is a beautiful landscape of hills and valleys.
Life is very hard indeed for those who live in rural areas – the city is seen as a place of opportunity, which works for some, but even there the need for investment is always apparent.
The shadow of violent episodes in recent history remains, but people are hopeful about the future, and determined to work for peace and greater prosperity.
We found folks extremely hospitable, and rightly proud of their heritage and of their culture.
Travelling around the diocese you see just how precarious peoples’ livelihoods are.
This is especially so where steep slopes are vulnerable to flash floods in the rainy season, often causing devastating mudslides which destroying fields, homes, livelihoods, and endangering lives also.
One of the inspiring programmes the diocese is engaged with is helping local people get together in cooperatives to grow seedlings and plant trees, so that their roots will protect their fields and gardens from soil erosion.
>> The Bishop of Derby's Harvest Appeal - Trees for life Burundi
Eroded land is washed away by heavy rains
Empowering women and young people
As well as attending a glorious ordination service in the cathedral, and a wedding blessing in a village church, we had the opportunity to visit a range of innovative community projects.
The diocese is very involved in community development, the church working locally on initiatives that empower people living in poverty, especially women and young people.
Churches are full of young people – tiny, inquisitive, eager children everywhere, and older youths enjoying church as a forum for securing friendships and building community.
Whilst music and singing are lively and active, there is real depth and quality to the worship, and a sense that being Christian there is about the whole of life – home, family, livelihood – and the liturgy reflected this.
We just did two tourist things. We visited Lake Tanganyika one afternoon with Bishop Eraste - and given the immense size of the lake, it was like being at the seaside!
And we met the Royal Drummers of Burundi – which you can check out on YouTube – they were fantastic.
I look forward to opportunities to share more about the work of the Diocese of Bujumbura in the autumn, when this year’s harvest appeal will support tree planting projects there.
+Malcolm
Bishop Eraste Bigirimana at a Bujumbura tree planting event
Carpenter Steve, who lives in the parish of Boulton St Mary and regularly attends St Philip's Chaddesden, recently revived his carpentry skills and says Jesus guided him in making a cross for the church.
He joined a “men in sheds” group in Allenton and decided to use some of the wood meant for landfill to make a cross as a surprise for Philip's.
Whilst making the cross, Steve believes he had an encounter with Jesus.
He shared the encounter with the congregation in July and received an enthusiastic response.
He said: “I decided to make a cross as a surprise for the church.
"My background was in carpentry, but I haven’t used my skills for a while.
"When I started my arm got heavy and I couldn’t understand why.
"A short time later, I got the hammer and chisel and my hands felt hard and heavy. I thought this was unusual as I never normally feel like this when doing carpentry work!
"A voice came in my head and said 'we’ll make this together'.
"I was a taken aback as the voice was clear, and I found myself asking out aloud 'who are you?'."
Steve said: "The next thing I heard was 'I am Jesus, and we will make this together. It will be a special cross for your church'.”
Steve proudly presented the cross to Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister at St Philip’s.
“Steve joined us with an interest in faith," said Revd Sarah. "He is a dearly loved member of our congregation and was recently confirmed.
"The recalling of his personal encounter with Jesus was emotional to hear and the cross will be seen and appreciated by all as Canon Julian Hollywell, Priest-in-charge of St Philip’s, has given his blessing for the cross to be placed permanently on our high altar.”
By Reggie D. Edmonds
Tideswell parishioner Sonia Rigg has been raising money for her local church through hang gliding.
And the feat is even more impressive given that Sonia is in her 85th year!
Sonia decided to support her local church, which is in dire need of re-wiring at a cost of around £200,000.
With the issues of ancient wiring and lighting, Sonia is hoping her church will really benefit from her endeavours.
She had been hoping to do the flight since April, but the weather wasn’t favourable. Now she is delighted to finally have had a huge success with this event.
Why hang gliding? Well, besides this just being an incredible idea, the inspiration came from her son, who has been hang gliding for 40 years.
Sonia said: “It was a really lovely experience. I could see all around and the views were super.
“Lying prone, you’re looking down and I had plenty of time to look.
“I wasn’t at all frightened.”
>> See the video of Sonia's hang gliding session [YouTube]
She achieved her goal with huge help from former world champion Judy Leden MBE and Ashbourne Hang Gliding Club.
Sonia is known for being active, and used to cycle and sail with her late husband.
She has no plans to stop taking part in charity events like this, hopefully having inspired many others to follow in her footsteps in doing awesome things to help out.
So far, Sonia has raised nearly £3,000 and donations are still coming in.
PCC Secretary Barbara Richell writes:
West Hallam's annual Well Dressing takes place every July.
This year at St Wilfrid’s we decided that our well would celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
This year, 22 of us were involved in producing our well and bringing our image of Jesus healing the paralysed man to life.
The Revd Jan Hutchinson blessed all the wells at the start of the celebrations and was the star of the show on Facebook.
The church was busy with entertainment provided by ‘Sing West Hallam’, The Imari Chorus and The Recorder Orchestra.
The bell ringers gave opportunities for visitors to ‘have a go’ and have some possible new recruits.
In spite of the heavy showers it was a very busy, successful day!
2024
Clergy Conference
14 - 16 October 2024
General Synod
23 - 27 February 2024 - London
5 - 9 July 2024 - York
18 - 20 November 2024 - London
Diocesan Synod
16 March 2024
22 June 2024
12 October 2024
Bishop's Council (18.00 - 21.00)
19 February 2024
20 May 2024
1 July 2024
23 September 2024
4 November 2024
Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) (14:00 - 16:00)
29 January 2024
18 March 2024
20 May 2024
1 July 2024
16 September 2024
25 November 2024
On Monday 3 July, Derby Cathedral school held an official opening and blessing ceremony for their new building on Great Northern Road, Derby.
The ceremony featured music and readings from students and those who have been involved in the creation of the school.
Dean Peter gave a reflection on the relationship between the Cathedral and the school and the how important that is for the whole community.
Students have also created a time capsule full of reflections of their time at the school.
The service ended with the new school prayer which has been written by the student FAITH ambassador group.
Interim Director of Education, Carolyn Lewis said: “I was delighted to attend the official opening and blessing ceremony of Derby Cathedral School on 3 July. The school is particularly special being the first secondary school in our family of 111 Church of England schools in the Diocese of Derby. Since opening its doors in 2018, the school has grown admitting additional year groups annually. This September, the school will open its new Sixth Form and make headlines for being the only Church of England Sixth Form in the country.”
Ten pupils from Church of England Schools from all over the diocese have received their Bishop's Badge in recognition of their commitment to Christian values in their schools and communities.
The badges were presented by Bishop Malcom in a service at Derby Cathedral and were nominated by their head teacher for their generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love.
Pupils from St James CE Junior School led readings and prayers.
Nominating Jack, his head teacher said: "Jack took it upon himself to raise money for charity by completing a 5 km inflatable course. He requested that all donations go to the Sick Children's Trust Charity which is a charity close to his family’s heart, and has asked questions to find out how he and others can help children who are sick. Jack also shows great compassion in and out of school and was recently nominated to become an anti-bullying ambassador.
"He is very aware of the thoughts and feelings of others and values difference greatly."
Another head teacher said: "George works hard to encompass his love of nature and history to serve the Lord. He shares his knowledge generously to support the school and local community.
"George has helped to transform the lives of others by actively working with the younger children in school to be a role model independently taking on the role of pastoral support to make sure all children in school are safe, well and have a voice.
"He has taken on the role of head boy this year however, at no point has he ever put himself first he continues to put others including the adults in school first."
Other citations from head teachers included:
As Hebrews 13:16 states, ‘Generosity is a simple act’ – however, in Amber’s case, it is a way of life. Amber leads worship with dedication and empathy. She is a great friend to others and offers support to not only her peers, but to staff and visitors too. Her caring and supportive nature is ever-present and this is typified in the way she conducts herself around younger children in the school.
Cara goes above and beyond to show love and support to her peers; always noticing if someone is struggling or left out and offering friendship; showing what it means to build community by supporting and welcoming everyone. Her unquestioning support for others during tough times, even when she herself has been experiencing difficult situations, is transforming to those who she stands alongside and a model for others to follow.
Frankie shows kindness, always helping the younger children. She happily gives up her own social time to help others. Frankie lives out our school values of P.E.A.C.E – and this nomination demonstrates how she meets the C for compassion.
Despite the challenges that he has faced over the last year, Freddie has remained able to put the needs of others first. He is a fabulous role model and has earned almost all available prefect badges. He has generously shared his treatment journey with the whole school, embodying courage and inspiring his peers through his complete dedication to all that he does. As a school community, we are stronger for knowing and working with him.
Manahil shines God’s love onto everyone she meets. She encourages and supports her friends and champions them when they have done well in class or out on the playground. She reaches out when she sees someone in need and truly embodies our school’s Christian values of love, friendship, compassion and respect.
Martha is a driving force behind writing the school’s Friday worship, which she does without being prompted. Her prayers are heartfelt, beautifully sensitive and reflects meaningful links to school worship themes. Martha is generous – she gives her own time for others, despite facing many significant personal challenges. Martha cares deeply about her family, her school and broader community.
Spending time in Mia’s company enriches everyone. She does not change things by being argumentative or forceful but by modeling unfailing love. She is one of our school chaplains and works to ensure all children and adults feel welcomed and part of our collective worship. I aspire to be as positive and loving as Mia!
In 1927, the Diocese of Derby was founded and Bishop Edmund Courtenay Pearce, the first Bishop of Derby, arranged for a medal to be struck to celebrate this new beginning.
Copies of the medal were presented to prominent members of the diocese and to all those being confirmed in that year.
In recent years, the seventh Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, arranged for a replica of this medal to be minted and mounted in the form of a badge.
As the eighth Bishop of Derby, Bishop Libby continues this tradition.
Each year these badges are awarded based upon recommendations made to the bishop, as a gesture from the diocese to acknowledge outstanding service to God's church.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has announced that the next Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales will be The Revd Canon Nicky Fenton.
Nicky has served as the Acting Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales for the past four months.
As archdeacon, she will have responsibility for the western region of the diocese, from Hadfield and Glossop in the north to Sudbury and Egginton in the south, in Peak, Carsington, and Dove and Derwent Deaneries.
She will champion for rural and market town mission and ministry across the whole diocese.
On making the appointment, Bishop Libby said: “Nicky already knows and loves our diocese. She has made a significant impact as Acting Archdeacon of Peak and Dales and is deeply committed to rural and market town mission and ministry and confidently advocates that they thrive for the sake of the Kingdom of God as good news for all.
"Nicky’s experience of leading churches across a range of contexts, including in multi-parish village benefice, is complemented by her rich history of effective partnership working to bring about sustainable change for common good.
"Nicky’s professional background in education brings a commitment to schools, the flourishing of children and their families.
"The appointment panel, led by Mark Titterton, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, was impressed by Nicky’s passion and creativity and her demonstration of resourcing effective transformation.
"I am delighted that we will be continuing work together with Nicky in our diocese.
"Please pray for her and her family as they navigate the transitions of the coming months.”
Canon Nicky said: “I am delighted and thrilled to accept the invitation to be Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales. I have loved being acting archdeacon and feel deeply honoured and privileged to be able to continue the work.
“It has been an exciting adventure and I have thoroughly enjoyed forming relationships and partnerships with people across the archdeaconry.
“My prayer is that knowing we are loved by God, and supported by each other, we can give ourselves wholeheartedly to serving God in the communities and worshipping contexts we are part of; and consistently and persistently move forward in generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love.”
Diocesan Secretary Will Hagger said: “This is wonderful news for the Diocese of Derby. Nicky has excelled in the role of acting archdeacon.
"I am confident that with her knowledge of the diocese, she will be a great support for our dedicated clergy and church officers across the archdeaconry.”
Nicky will continue to serve as acting archdeacon ahead of her installation as Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales later in the year.
Eight new priests and six new deacons have been ordained by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Rt revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. The special Petertide services took place in Derby Cathedral.
Ordination services are a time to celebrate and welcome new deacons (those to be given the title Reverend) and priests (deacons who have been training under an incumbent for a year) into the diocese.
With support of family and friends, the new deacons and priests were presented to Bishop Libby and made their declarations.
Welcoming those in the cathedral, Bishop Libby said: "Ordination is a significant moment for those who are called by God to these roles, and it is the start of the next phase of their journey.
"It is also significant for all of us who are here and we must uphold and encourage them in their ministry and pray for them."
The new deacons are:
Josephine Chamings, to serve in the Benefice of Brampton St Thomas and Brampton St Mark,
Peter Dale, to serve in the Benefice of Mackworth St Francis,
Emma Mallord, to serve in the Benefice of Littleover St Peter and Blagreaves,
Clare Owen, to serve in the Benefice of Mickleover and the Parish of Radbourne,
Lisa Price, to serve in the White Peak Group and Yougreave, Middleton, Stanton-in-Peak and Birchover,
Nicholas Radford-Powell, to serve in the Benefice of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale.
>> See photos from the service of the Ordination of Deacons.
The new priests are:
Fiona Barber, to serve in the Benefice of Sinfin Moor,
Elliot George, to serve in the Benefice of Dronfield with Holmesfield,
Josephine Harbidge, to servein the Benefice of Walton St John,
Sam Mackie, to serve in the Benefice of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, the Benefice of Newhall and the Benefice of Gresley,
Fay Price, to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Alkmund and St Werburgh,
Rhiannon Singleton, to serve in the Benefice of Dinting Vale, and the Glossopdale Mission Community,
Lisa Taylor, to serve in the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston,
Cathie Watson, to serve in the St Werburgh Derby Mission Initiative.
>> See photos from the service of the Ordination of Priests.
You can find out more about the new deacons below.
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Bishop Libby has ordained six new deacons at a special service at Derby Cathedral.
Bishop Libby has ordained eight new priests at a special service at Derby Cathedral.
Why posting event flyers and posters on social media is a really bad idea…
So the date for the event is set, someone has put posters around the village and now you want to get the message out there on social media.
Surely the thing to do is post the flyer on Facebook and Instagram, right?
No!
Posters advertising events on social media never do well, and there are two good reasons why.
First, you need to make your event discoverable and searchable in as many ways as possible. But when you simply upload a flyer to Facebook, what actually happens is that effectively it disappears... all Facebook sees is a photograph of your poster.
That means it doesn't know what your poster is all about and so it doesn't know whom to show it to!
That in turn means that people cannot search and find it and your event won’t show up in local searches looking for events.
So it’s highly unlikely anyone will come across it – unless they are a follower of your page (and it is already well known that Facebook doesn’t show your posts to ALL your followers).
Too hard to read
The other reason is that, in this digital age, event flyers don’t belong on Instagram or Facebook.
With so much information now being uploaded to the internet, people don’t really stop to read blocks of text.
Social media is made up of platforms that are, in the main, visual and what you need is something that ‘stops the scroll’ and lets people see that your post is worth pausing for.
A flyer packed with text isn’t going to do that.
And imagine how small all that text looks on a mobile phone screen! Remember, most people who use Facebook and Instagram view them on mobiles.
So what should we do?
Use Facebook Events!
Yes, there’s a special feature in Facebook that is designed for promoting events! (It’s free, by the way.)
It’s a little bit more effort than simply uploading a poster, but Facebook Events have the potential to be seen by many more people and, importantly, they are searchable.
They are also included in local lists of events. See some examples here.
Another nice feature of Facebook Events is that people can click to say they are interested or even that they are going. This can encourage others.
On Facebook Events, you could use the artwork from a poster to illustrate your summer fair or concert, for example, but you’d be better to use a striking image from last year’s event together with an engaging caption about the forthcoming event.
>> See Facebook's guide to creating an event
When wording the information (and this applies to all platforms) remember to start with the information people NEED to know. What is important to THEM (not to YOU).
Don’t try to fit in every detail.
What’s the headline?
Is it catchy enough to stop the scroll?
The rest of the details can follow but you MUST grab people’s attention first.
Take a look at the image at the top of this page - that was enough to get your attention and draw you in... there's no detail, just a headline. Keep it simple!
If you know how to use Instagram Stories, try using those. Stories are perfect for promoting events because you can talk about the event multiple times without it living on your feed forever.
Plan ahead - Reach Out!
The earlier you can get your event on Facebook Events the better.
Not only will it give you more time to promote, but your followers will be able to look at what you have coming up and plan accordingly.
Also, don't confine your event promotion just to Facebook.
Spread the word about your event across all your social media channels and your website. Your Facebook Event can serve as the information hub where people can learn more and get specifics.
Time to stop using those flyers on social!
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!"
