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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 >> More information and order your copy

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:23

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

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

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

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


It’s not just black eyes and bruises

by Sue Griffin

The handsome man, the beautiful wife

A love affair, a family life,

Pressure grows, pleasure and woes,

Life’s events and sagas grow.

 

No peace, No love

No trust, no voice,

No money, No hope,

No time to be yourself.

 

The sideward glance,

The push, the punch,

The shout, the scream,

The No, you’re not!

You’re lucky – you should be grateful.

 

The fear, the isolation,

The pain, the desperation,

The control, the demands.

‘You’re mad’, ‘you’re fat’

‘You’re boring’, ‘you’re stupid’,

Who will listen, who cares?

It’s not just black eyes and bruises.


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

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

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

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

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

The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs until 10 December.


If you told me

by Sue Griffin

If you told me, I’d listen,

I’d try to understand,

If you told me,

I’d help you, with a future plan.

 

If you told me, I’d empower you,

I would stand by your side.

I’d respect your wishes.

Help restore your pride.

 

If you told me, I’d believe in you,

I’d show you that I cared.

If you told me, I’d be supportive,

Let you know someone was there.

 

If you told me, you’re ready,

You are growing strong,

You’re seeing things with clearer eyes

And know that things are wrong.

  

If you told me, you took a step,

A leap, to set you free

If you told me

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

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:07

Melbourne Parish Church is the star attraction in this year's Church of England TV advert.

St Michael and St Mary's features as the church attended by one woman through many Christmases throughout her life – from her first starring role as the baby Jesus in the village nativity play, to childhood and teenage years, joining church youth groups, getting married, parenthood and facing bereavement.

Despite life's ups and downs, she finds joy and support in the church, faith and friendship, not only during Christmas but throughout the year.

The church's rector, the Revd Steve Short, said: "Melbourne features right at the start and midway when my daughter, Sophie, goes to put a star on the Christmas Tree.

"It was a great experience and such a privilege to host colleagues from the Church of England and support their making of this film.

"They had such passion, drive and joy for what they were doing, and it’s such an exciting initiative."

The Church of England's campaign this Christmas is Follow the Star: The Great Invitation and it encourages people to try church for the first time or, if they have visited churches before or been supported by a church through difficult times, to gather again as we reflect on the year and pray for those finding it hard.

Watch the advert

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:09

In the week leading up to Advent Sunday, Chesterfield's Crooked Spire opens its doors to visitors far and wide to celebrate the start of the Advent season with its annual Christmas Tree Festival. 

This year’s festival - the ninth - ran for ten days from 17 November and the festival continues to grow in numbers of both trees and visitors!

This year, more than 120 trees, set up by businesses and organisations from across Chesterfield, were on display.

>> See pictures from the Crooked Spire Christmas Tree Festival

Warm and welcoming volunteers were there to greet visitors before they were hit with a visually stunning sight – the array of varied Christmas trees shining beautifully in the church itself nd set against its altars and stained glass windows.

The Revd Canon Patrick Coleman, Vicar of Saint Mary and All Saints in Chesterfield, is often asked why they have a Christmas tree festival at the end of November. 

His response is that the church prepares for Christmas with the season of advent: “We want to bring God’s blessings to Chesterfield by sending out the trees all over the town after they have been blessed by being in the church.

"We hope and pray that all in Chesterfield will be blessed this season.” 

In the weeks leading to Christmas Day, every inch of the church is needed to fit in the hundreds of people who go to services and concerts.

If we needed an example that the church is truly alive, then this is a fine one!

 

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:16

Derby Cathedral is encouraging parishes, churches and congregations to spread the glow of love and kindness during the festive period by writing a message to be displayed on Derby’s beautiful Tree of Light, which will be in the Cathedral from 3rd December to 6th January.

Messages could be in remembrance of a loved one, a Christmas greeting or a prayer.

To help support the care and work of the cathedral, people of Derby and Derbyshire are invited to write a message and make a donation, keeping the cathedral doors open for welcome and warmth.

Everyone is welcomed to take some time away from the hustle and bustle at this time of year and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Cathedral building for reflection, sanctuary and light.

The Dean of Derby, The Very Revd Peter Robinson said: "At this special time of year, we invite the communities of Derby and Derbyshire to come and enjoy their cathedral and the sparkling Tree of Light.

"Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect, and come together to spread a glow of kindness.

"All are very welcome to share their messages."

The Tree of Light will be available for visitors to see between 3 December and 6 January during cathedral opening times.

For more information, to write an online message or to donate online, please visit: 

https://www.derbycathedral.org/tree-of-light/

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:18

Safeguarding Adults Week 2022 takes place Monday 21- Sunday 27 November.

It’s an opportunity for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues. The aim is to start vital conversations and share best practice, so we can all be better together.

The Ann Craft Trust have useful links and resources on their website 

With winter creeping closer, a piping-hot bowl of homemade soup goes down particularly well.  

It's interesting to recount that Egginton’s Church of St Wilfrid has been making a name for itself with it successful and highly regarded ‘Meet, Greet and Eat’ community lunches.

Starting in 2018, with a break for Covid, monthly lunches have become a popular and eagerly awaited social event, providing an opportunity for people to meet and make new friendships.

Gatherings of 45 to 50 persons are usual, eager to sample the 10 or more soups on offer and where second helpings are very much the norm!  

Together with a roll and butter, glass of wine, and cake or fruit to finish, its hardly surprising that the word has spread to neighbouring villages too!

There is no entry fee and donations are invited on departure, raising around £4,000 a year. 

Huge thanks rightfully go to the faithful team of helpers, who prepare the food, set up the church and wash up and clear away.   

Such is their success that they have been awarded the Bishop of Derby’s “Certificate of Excellence”.

This initiative was the brain child of Chris and Kay Marples, resulting from a holiday at Porlock, in Somerset, where they witnessed a tragic suicide.  

Having summoned help, they observed the emergency services handling the situation and were then required to make a police statement. 

Understandably this experience was traumatic and, still somewhat in shock, they narrated their experience to a local shop assistant.  

News got around and, when they attended Porlock’s soup lunch the following day, there was a whole lot of support and care shown for their wellbeing.  

It was then that Kay hatched the plan with the churchwarden Pat Riley for monthly soup lunches in Egginton.  

Not without its learning points, its now become a major success!

Important issues have been the availably of storage space in the church; creating space in the church for the setting up of tables; assembly of a committed team of helpers, and progressively accommodating a growing demand for places.  

A very welcome breakthrough was a CVS grant of £750 for the purchase of soup bowls, water boiler, slow cookers, food thermometer and other things to replace some very tired equipment.  

It also paid for certain helpers to obtain their Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.

The St Wilfrid’s team would like to thank most warmly all those who have given their support to this venture, most particularly those who cook and serve each month.

soup lunches eggington 2

Last modified on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 10:20

Having spent 28 years in the Royal Air Force, I know how important Remembrance Day is to the military.

I have taken part in many Remembrance parades, services and fundraising events.

There is a need and a desire to do all of these things well, to honour those who have gone before and who gave their lives as a sacrifice for their country.

Every year, each Military Remembrance event I attended, was organised with detailed precision, thought and reverence.

Which, I believe, is what always made it deeply emotional and moving.

For this reason, I had always thought of Remembrance as a military occasion, a time when we remember and honour our fallen military personnel.

The Poppy has become a symbol of Remembrance Day.

Remembrance Day started in 1919 to commemorate the anniversary of Armistice Day, the day when the Armistice was signed marking an end to World War One (WW1) in 1918.

WW1 was called ‘the war to end all wars’, unfortunately we know only too well that war is still very much a part of our world today.

Since becoming a Christian, I began to see Remembrance Day in a different way.

When I first learned that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, of giving up his life for me, I was overwhelmed.

It took me a while to understand the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us.

Once I had accepted that Jesus died on the cross to take away our sin, I was thankful for his ultimate sacrifice and it gave me a renewed hope for the future, in him.

Now, every year, on Remembrance Day, I am reminded of all of the deaths that occur due to war, not just the deaths of those in the military, but also civilian casualties and those who are being persecuted or killed in the spiritual war against evil.

Jesus came to show us how to be truly human through loving one another, being thankful and giving us the hope of eternal life through him.

Love, hope and thankfulness can help us to deal with difficult times in life, they help us to be more human and to more closely reflect the image of God.

War is not part of God’s plan for us. Jesus’ sacrifice was supposed to be the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.

For this reason, for me, the Cross of Jesus and the Poppy of Remembrance Day, work in unison.

The Poppy is a symbol to remember those whose lives were sacrificed in war and the hope of future peace.

The Cross of our saviour Jesus Christ symbolises his love, promises and sacrifice for us.

Through death on the cross and his resurrection, Jesus gives us the hope of eternal life and peace to come.

It is really important that these sacrifices are never forgotten.

Remembrance Day is a time to be thankful for the sacrifices that have been made, so that we can have hope for the future, in the love and peace of God. 

 

Revd Lisa Taylor is a curate in the United Benefice of Atlow, Bradley, Hognaston, Hulland and Kniveton

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:16

Hulland Hippos Baby & Toddler group celebrated the tenth anniversary of its foundation on November 2nd.

To share the happy occasion we invited past members of the team and the families who attended the very first session.

Over coffee & cake, our guests enjoyed looking at the photos taken during the ten years, while the current families attending played and chatted as normal.  

The highlight of our celebration was our ‘Happy Birthday Hippo time’ with a Hippo birthday cake, a story about Hippos from our curate Revd Lisa, a thank you prayer, songs and games.

We finished by presenting some Hulland Hippo awards! 36 adults and 23 children enjoyed the special occasion.

Comments on Facebook:

 “Congratulations Hulland Hippos and everyone who helps out, such a great place for support and fun for the kids”

 “Happy 10th Anniversary to the BEST baby and toddler group around. Enjoy the celebrations. Xxx”

Hulland Hippos is every Wednesday from 10 – 11.30am at Hulland Ward Millennium Hall (except the Christmas holiday).

It is run by volunteers from Hulland Mothers’ Union, Hulland Church and our community. 

20221102 MAP 4606

 

Our guests

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:17

Press releases are used to communicate news, grab attention, and generate publicity. 

They are generally sent to local newspapers and other publications, local radio stations (BBC and independents) and regional TV centres.

There may be a number of reasons to send a press release, including: 

  • a specific event or regular activity – something new to share 
  • the appointment of a new member of the team – good news to share 
  • winning an award or recognition – share and celebrate success! 
  • crisis management – when things go wrong 

Whatever the reason you think you have, work through the basics:

  • Is my story newsworthy and interesting to anyone else but me / our church? 
    Make no mistake, when a journalist reads a news release, they are only interested in whether or not it is a good story and an interesting story for their readers/listeners/viewers. It doesn’t matter how interesting or important YOU think it is, if the journalist doesn’t see it as interesting and good for their audience, it won’t make the cut. And if they don't find it interesting in the first couple of paragraphs, it's in the bin!

  • What makes a good story?
    People stories are always the best, but not all stories are about people. Something new or updated; something different or out of the ordinary; something local and/or relevant to your community; something personal or about a person; something visual.  A great story will stick in a person’s memory if it resonates with them.

  • Write down the facts 
    Before you start writing a press release you need to think through what content you have. Write down the detail of what you know - as this helps you gather your thoughts. Who is involved? What is happening? Where is it happening? Why is it happening? How do people feel about this? How will it impact people? What will be the outcome? What do you want your reader to know, feel or do? 
  • Make it stand out 
    Journalists receive a lot of news releases each day so they will most likely feature the most interesting stories and the easiest ones to cover. Your subject matter is crucial here and you need to grab their attention in the headline and first paragraph, or you’ll simply be wasting your time! Also, remember that just because you send a press release, it doesn’t guarantee any coverage at all.

  • Write a good headline 
    A good headline will grab the journalist’s attention, but the most important thing is that it leaves them in no doubt what the story is about.  Don’t try to be clever with your headline. It needs to convince the journalist that they should read the rest of your release and feature your story (think: it does what it says on the tin). 

  • Write a good first paragraph 
    No more than three of four lines, your first paragraph should summarise the story and address the who, what, where, when and why questions.
     
  • Keep it simple 
    Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you have to tell every little detail and list and thank everyone involved – this will make your press release long and boring! Keep it simple! Details that are important to you may not be important to a journalist or to a reader. Remember, you are writing for the reader, not for yourself. 

  • Keep it short 
    A news release should be less than a side of A4 long (300-400 words). If your news release is longer, you risk it not being read or parts of it being ignored. Sometimes, four or five short paragraphs and a quote is often sufficient. 

  • Quotes 
    You should almost always include a quote in a press release, but a quote should be used to add value to the story – aim to make your third paragraph a quote. They should provide a personal view and move the story forward – not information about the church. And don’t let a quote be used as an excuse to include all the boring stuff! Equally, don’t include extra quotes from someone just to satisfy them and make them feel included. If it doesn’t add to the story, don’t use it! 

  • Photos 
    A photo is often essential in modern journalism, and you can attach an image to your press release. However, do ensure that it isn’t a large file size that will clog up the journalist’s inbox (you could instead attach a smaller image size and say in the ‘Notes for Editors’ section that a higher resolution image is available on request). Also, make sure it is a well-taken, relevant and interesting image! 

  • Notes for editors and contacts 
    Notes for editors can be used to add contextual information that doesn’t form part of the main story. Adding a contact – someone the journalist can call or email for more information or to discuss anything they’re unsure about – is vital. 

  • Writing style 
    The purpose of a press release is to communicate news, so don’t be flowery and casual. You need to strike a formal tone, At the same time, don’t try to be too clever in your use of language and words – write in a natural, flowing way. 
    Don’t include links to things on your Facebook feed – if you can’t be bothered to put the information in the press release, why should the journalist be bothered to look at it?! 

  • Get support 
    Before sending your press release, why not ask the diocesan Communications Team to take a look? Or feel free to talk to us before you start writing so we can give you some pointers and suggestions. Contact us: communications@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388671. 

  • Press ‘send’! 
    But before you do, make sure you’re sending it to the most appropriate places. Not sure where to send it? Check with the diocesan Communications Team. 
    For printed publications, remember they often plan and write their copy days or even weeks in advance, so make sure you’ve checked the copy deadline.
Last modified on Thursday, 01 June 2023 14:10

 

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby,  has recognised long service and missional innovation among church communities in the Diocese of Derby.

At a special service in Derby Cathedral, on Sunday 6th November 2022, Bishop Libby presented more than 75 people with their Bishop's Badge.

>> See photos from the Bishop's Badge Service

Bishop's Badges are awarded to nominees who have supported their churches and local communities.

The recipients are nominated by clergy in the diocese.

The Bishop's Badge, white enamel with the bishop's crest, has historic links, based on a medal that the very first Bishop of Derby, Bishop Edmund Pearce, had struck to celebrate this new beginning.

Medals were presented to distinguished members of the diocese and to all those being confirmed in that year. 

Now, it is a replica of this medal that is mounted in the form of a badge and awarded by the diocesan bishop to acknowledge outstanding service.

 

Awards for Missional Innovation 

Mike Allwood, Ockbrook with Borrowash

Alison Andrews, Derby Cathedral

Patricia Brough, Holy Trinity and Christ Church, Chesterfield

Jan Calladine, St Paul, Quarndon

Helen Duke, St Marks, Winshill

Barbara Fearnley, All Saints, Glossop

Julia Hewgill, St Thomas, Biggin

Eric Igo, All Saints, Glossop

Margaret Kay, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Jennifer Lewis-Smith, Derby Cathedral

Barbara Lord, St George the Martyr, New Mills

Philip Morris, St Bartholomew, Whittington

Pam Owen, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Abigail Parker, All Saints with St Mary's, Sawley

Janet Procter, All Saints, Glossop

Jennifer Rackstraw, St George the Martyr, New Mills

Claire Ragg, The Journey Community, Wilmorton

Anthony Smith, St Wilfrid's, West Hallam

Fiona Williamson, The Journey Community, Wilmorton

Louise Woods-Williamson, The Journey Community, Wilmorton

 

Awards for Missional Long Service

Karen Alexander, St George and St Mary, Church Gresley

Judith Archer, All Saints, Bradley

Roger Barfield, St Paul's, Derby

Pauline Boon, Buxton Team Parish

Rita Buckley, Christ Church, Wessington

Tony Bull, St Matthew, Hayfield

Brenda Bunting, St James, Riddings

Gill Campbell, St Osmund's, Wilmorton

Pauline Chester, Emmanuel Church, Swadlincote

Kathleen Cummings, Holy Trinity, Tansley

Jane Dalrymple, St Barnabas Bradwell, Hope valley

Lynda Diggins, St Peter's, Littleover

Barbara Dyson, St James, Riddings

Claire Edmonds, St Wystan's, Bretby

John Flanagan, Chinley and Buxworth

Peter Fleming, Derby Cathedral

Terry Fleming, Derby Cathedral

Terry Gilbert, St Michael with St Mary, Melbourne

Christine Gill, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Jean Goodall, All Saints, Dalbury

Ann Haggard, St Peter's, Holymoorside

Tony Hall, St James, Riddings

Brian Hallam, Stanley and Stanley Common

Betty Hay, St John's Newhall

John Heathcote, St Helen's, Etwall

Monica Hewitt, Derby Cathedral

David Hitchcox, St Andrew's, Swanwick and St Matthew's, Pentrich

Peter Hives, St Peter's, Calow

Marion Hives, St James, Riddings

Joanna Hocknell, St Michael with St Mary, Melbourne

Richard Hole, St George the Martyr, New Mills

Mary Holland, All Saints with St Mary's, Sawley

Peter Igo, St Matthew, Hayfield

June Igo, St Matthew, Hayfield

Poppie Jackson-Lawrence, Alvaston

Anne Jarvis, St Wilfrid's, West Hallam

Anthony Jones, Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath

Linda Latchford, St Michael with St Mary, Melbourne

Ivor Leigh, Holy Trinity and Christ Church, Chesterfield

Louise Lennox, St James, Riddings

David Mellor, All Saints, Matlock Bank

Linda Mills, St James, Riddings

Joanna Moffatt, St Bartholomews, Whittington

William Morris, St Peter's, Hartshorne

Marion Overton, Buxton Team Parish

Hilary Phillips, Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath

Alec Pitt, St Mary's, Boulton

Fran Roberts, St Mark's, Handley

Nigel Rogers, Holy Trinity, Brackenfield

Avril Simcox, St Osmund's, Wilmorton

Hazel Slack, Holy Trinity, Tansley

Philip Tew, St Mary's, Cromford

John Thurstan, Holy Trinity and Christ Church, Chesterfield

Ann Vincent, St Andrew's, Blagreaves

Ruth Walker, Stanley and Stanley Common

Roger Waters, Immanuel Church, Stapenhill

Anne Wood, Buxton Team Parish

Anna wright, All Saints, Matlock Bank

 

Award for both Missional and Innovation and Missional Long Service

Janet Mawman, St Osmund's and The Journey Community, Wilmorton

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:05

How quick can you build a chick?

Not the first question you might expect to be asked in church!

If you happened into St Bartholomew’s Church, Old Whittington over the last weekend of September, you might!

It was the weekend of the annual Lego (oh sorry, no, it has to be called) 'Brick' Festival.

Our Brick Festival is like a flower festival but instead of flower arrangements we have tables of Lego models.

Now if you are thinking that Lego is just for the children, then you are a good few years out of date.

It’s come a long way from the red and white blocks of the ‘60s, which seemed to build houses and little more.

Now there are Star Wars and Harry Potter sets; Marvel, Ninjango, Transformers, and at least a dozen other different series.

During a ‘festival’ weekend we expect periods when the church is not so busy.

I think this year the only time we had a bit of a lull was during the school day on the Friday.

 

Wows all around

whittington brick festival merry go round

Once school finished, families came straight up to church for a first look.

"Oh wow!" They exclaimed as they spotted the rollercoaster and ferris wheel on the fun fair.

More wows were heard at the detail of the Harry Potter models.

Landmarks from around the world left some puzzled as to where they were.

London was the most obvious.

Many folk returned on Saturday, and some even made it again on Sunday afternoon.

The ladies in the kitchen, running the tombola and managing the raffle, all declared it a great success.

On the Monday, our local primary school walked from school to church, one class at a time, for a look round.

Several children had donated models to display and had their photo taken with them.

 

Where's Jo?

In addition to looking at the Lego models, people were challenged to ‘Find Rev Jo’ - well her Lego figure at least.

But when you do, sshhh don’t tell anyone else!

She moved around the different displays.

It didn’t matter where she hid, she was found.

She started by operating the roller coaster, she rode in the train, a boat, and the big wheel, she took a wedding, went fishing, watched from the rooftop and finished doing an impression of Rose on the Titanic!

Oh and the chick in question…. this is Rev Jo’s time challenge. Each year we set a simple challenge to see who is ‘the champion builder of the year’.

The youngest to complete it was Jack, who is only five and a half years old.

The top three quickest were: third, Freddy, in a time of 3 minutes 5 seconds; second, Cody, in a time of 2 minutes and 55 seconds; and in first place Alfie in a time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.  

There is a small prize for Alfie, but the real reward is in setting the challenge for next year.

Next Year? I hear you ask.

Oh yes, by popular demand, there’ll be another Brick Festival next year.

whittington brick festival Taj Mahal

Last modified on Wednesday, 09 November 2022 12:11

Today, I join with the whole United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and friends across the world, in expressing my sorrow at the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. 

I know you will join me in sending our sincere condolences to His Majesty the King, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, and to the entire Royal Family and Royal households, with the assurance of our heartfelt prayers as they grieve. We pray they may know the peace and comfort of Christ in the loss of their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

And through our own grieving, individually and collectively, we give thanks to God for her long life and her dedicated service to this nation and the Commonwealth.

After so many decades in public service, I expect we will each have a memory or image of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, engaged in such a wide range of contexts as she travelled the nation and the globe, and as she supported causes close to her heart. Her commitment to those seeking to help others was enormous – she was patron of hundreds charitable organisations.

Her Late Majesty’s personal faith was deep rooted and steadfast. In her Christmas message of 2014, she said: “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.” 

Her Late Majesty’s strength of faith and her constant seeking to follow Christ through good times and bad in her own life, serves as a wonderful example to all of us at this difficult time.

I have a number of fond, personal memories of Her Late Majesty, from occasions public and personal. I recall her charming, welcoming and gracious manner and the complete attention she afforded me during our times together. I admired her lively engagement with issues facing the world, appreciated the interest she showed in me and my family, and valued the opportunity to reflect on our faith. 

As we mourn and mark her passing, let us remember her always putting the interests of others ahead of her own and, in so doing, providing an outstanding example of Christian discipleship. As we look to the future, I pray we can take inspiration from her long life, well lived in the service of God and neighbour.

May Her Late Majesty rest in peace and rise in glory.

God save the King.

Bishop Libby

The Rt Reverend Libby Lane
Bishop of Derby

 

late queen prayer

Printable prayer cards (A4 sheet - print double sided)

Last modified on Wednesday, 09 November 2022 12:07

Creswell Breakfast club has helped get the new school year off to the best possible start by providing school uniforms for local schoolchildren moving up to secondary school.

The club is based at St Mary Magdalene Church in Creswell village and is now in its seventh year.

► Feeding Derbyshire's Children: Creswell Breakfast Club

Bob Glassey writes:

Creswell Breakfast club has been making a difference this summer by working with Creswell Junior School - coordinating activities in the parish, ensuring  a full range of free activities for the five days a week during school holidays.

At one of our meetings with the headteacher Alison Pymm and Head of Care Amie Wilson, they identified a number of families with school children in need of assistance buying the mandatary new uniform and PE kit for Clowne Heritage School (average cost of a uniform and PE kit is £100).

I was happy to hand over a cheque for £1000 that the breakfast club raised with help from: £250 from Bolsover Community lottery fund, £250 from County Councillor Mick Yates from the Community Leadership Fund, and £500 from Elmton Creswell Hodthorpe Big Local.

The school has also received £176 from the Revd Keith Cocking and will receive £200 from Councillor Duncan McGregor of Bolsover Distric Council.

Vulnerable families in our parish continue to face increasing financial pressure due to the rising cost of living, and disposable income seems to be an increasingly rare luxury. 

The added pressure of children moving up from the Creswell Junior to the Clowne Heritage School needing a new complete school uniform plus PE kit means families as desperate and need assistance now.

It will lift a great weight from the shoulders of parents and family members knowing their children will have a brilliant start and will be the same as any other child at this new school.

There are many things which make up a community spirit.

And when it exists, a positive sense of community spirit is a great asset.

It can act as a glue, bringing together a whole community, and what can you do to make a difference.

We have shown that we can work together across organisations, professional of otherwise.

We are proud to be working with our local councils and local groups for the past six years, enabling them to create and make such a positive impact on our local community.

Last modified on Thursday, 08 September 2022 19:18
“Putting care for God’s creation at the heart of ministry and mission”

Derby Cathedral has just received a silver eco award from Eco Church, an A Rocha UK project.

The award is based on a comprehensive survey of the Cathedral covering topics as diverse as worship and teaching, management of church buildings and land, community and global engagement and lifestyle.

In other words – everything from how the Cathedral worships, the energy it uses, the wildlife it supports, the environmental projects it supports in other parts of the world, including Fairtrade, and the individual lifestyle choices we all make.

Eco church is designed to bring together a national community of churches addressing the environmental crisis with ongoing action to protect nature and address climate change so we can play our part in the prophetic call from General Synod for all parts of the Church of England to be net zero by 2030.
 
In granting the award Eco Church especially mentioned the Cathedral’s connections with the Wildlife Trust and the peregrine falcons, its involvement in planting trees including the “Trees for Derby” project, and our local engagement with the Council in supporting the bike event before Christmas.
 
Well done Derby Cathedral and thank you to members of JPCC (the Cathedral’s Justice, Peace and Creation Committee) and Carol Thomas, Chief Operating Officer for putting the application together.
Next step …GOLD!!   
 
To find out more about Eco Church go to www.a.rocha.org.uk

Last modified on Thursday, 29 September 2022 11:19
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