News and Events
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
A Church Near You
Copyright - don't fall foul of the law!
Events: the right way to promote them on social media.
Media and journalists
Photography Guidelines
Press releases
Social media guidelines
Videos: can we show them in church?
- 1
Can we show online videos in our church?
Video-sharing platforms offer a treasure trove of content for almost every conceivable situation.
However, as the sheer volume of content and the number of channels increases, understanding if andwhen you can show this content in church becomes ever more challenging.
So is it okay to stream videos during your church services and activities?
Showing content from video-sharing websites in church
Put simply, you should always have permission from the copyright owner,regardless of the source.
CCLI recommends you always use official sourceswhen you are playing copyrighted content.
Not all videos uploaded to video-sharing websites have been done so by, or withthe permission of, the copyright owner or licensor.
With a staggering number of videos being uploaded to the internet every minute, it is impossible for any platform to control or police the content being uploaded.
It’s likely that many ofthese videos infringe copyright, either accidentally or deliberately, and many sites will place the responsibility for obtaining permission on the creator (check the platform’s T&Cs for details).
If you can find content that has been uploaded by an official source, the permission you need to show it may be obtained in a number of ways.
Scenes and clips from movies and TV
The easiest way for churches and ministries to get permission to show authorised movies and television shows otherwise intended for personal or private use, is through CCLI’s Church Video Licence.
In this case, the licence is considered as consent from the “respective licensor”.
Check that the scene has been uploaded by the copyright owner or someone authorised by the owner.
If the scene has been uploaded to the studio’s own channel, or that of an official partner, you can be confident you’re viewing content from an official source.
Studios may have agreements with third parties to upload their content for them. In this case, check carefully that the channel is an official one.
If a scene has been uploaded by an individual, e.g. a fan of the movie, then it should not be deemed covered by the Church Video Licence and consequently it should not be shown during church activities.
Lyric videos
Videos that show the lyrics for communal singing are increasingly common on video-sharing platforms.
The CCLI Church Copyright Licence and Streaming Plus Licence do not cover the visual element of a song video.
Therefore, regardless of the source, it is recommended you have direct permission from the owner before displaying a song or lyric video in church.
Sometimes, videos may be embedded on the publisher’s website with details of how they can be used.
If the owner or publisher’s description permits a video’s use in church, then this would constitute consent.
If there is any doubt, contact the publisher or copyright owner for permission before showing the video.
Changing lyrics
Song lyrics cannot be changed to fit a church’s preferences or theology unless permission has been given by the song owner.
One of the exclusive rights of a copyright owner is 'derivative works', so any changes must have the owner’s permission.
You are free to arrange songs as you wish, as long as it doesn’t change the melody, lyrics or fundamental character of a song.
You may want to start with the chorus, for example, if it fits the flow of your worship set.
Feel free to skip verses etc - just don’t change the lyrics!
Other videos
As a general rule, CCLI recommends that you don’t show any other videos without the explicit permission ofthe copyright owner.
If in doubt, it may be possible to establish who owns the copyright.
Seeking their direct permission is the safest way to ensure that you’re acting legally and doing the right thing.
Copyright notice on projections and in print
Part of the agreement for the CCLI licence is that your church includes the copyright information on each printed or projected song copy.
For a song projection, the information only has to appear once, and is usually placed at the beginning or end.
An example of the information to display is:
“Hallelujah”
Words and music by John Doe
© 2018 Good Music Co.
Used by Permission.
CCLI Licence #12345
The number e.g. #12345, should be your church’s CCLI licence number, not the song’s CCLI ID number.
Need further information or guidance?
Contact the Diocese of Derby Communications Team: communications@derby.anglican.org
Or contact CCLI: us.ccli.com
St Peter's Church, Littleover and Blagreaves is the latest church in the diocese to have received a bronze Eco Church award.
Just over 12 months ago, Littleover church began the work to become an Eco Church. Starting with a Climate Sunday service the congregation made a total of 99 pledges to each commit to one action that would help take better care of the environment. The church also formed a ‘Creation Care’ mission group with the aim of working together to care for creation in a constructive, positive, and supportive way.
Some of the things the church has done are:
- Planted a wildflower area of the churchyard
- Recycled pill strips
- Spread the message at the local school fair with a ‘splat the landfill’ game
- Shared vegan recipes and food at the church fete.
- Written and shared articles
- Worked with St Peter’s school to enable children to make the best use of pre-loved uniform.
Julie Scott, PCC Secretary said: “The fantastic news is that our church is now officially an ‘Eco Church’ and has achieved a Bronze Award under the scheme. Our survey results show that we have achieved gold level for worship and teaching and bronze level for each of the other four categories, Management of church buildings, Management of church land, Community and global engagement, Lifestyle and this equates to Bronze altogether.”
You can find out more about the Arocha Eco Church project here
Important - the deadline to apply for a free contactless giving station has now passed.
You can contact Steve Johnson, Living Generously Adviser, at steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org.
The CofE is funding 50 contactless giving stations for parishes in the Diocese of Derby.
In addition to the weekly congregational giving, the devices enable churches cashless payment options for events including weddings, christenings, church fetes and concerts, as well for making one-off donations and the booking of churches and halls.
Applications for contactless devices opened on Monday, 6 February 2023 and can only be made through the Parish Buying website, where more information on the available Giving Stations can be found.
Steve Johnson, Living Generously Adviser for the Diocese of Derby, said: "We have an amazing opportunity for all our parishes to enable community generosity through contactless giving from a generation who are increasingly using cashless methods in their lifestyles.
"I am extremely excited for the Diocese of Derby to be part of this initiative and in supporting our churches giving income and I strongly encourage every parish to apply for a free device."
Churches have until Saturday, 4 March 2023 to submit their application.
If a church/parish doesn’t already have a Parish Buying account they can register first before accessing the Diocese of Derby's Digital Giving page to apply.
As we rapidly move towards being a cashless society, it is important that churches can receive gifts in the way people find it easiest to give.
Cards overtook cash as the preferred form of payment in 2017, so the ability to accept digital donations will be key for many churches in the years to come.
In 2022 alone, churches across the country received more than £6.5m in digital donations.
The Church of England’s National Giving Team has embarked on a three-year project to help thousands more churches access digital mechanisms for receiving donations.
If you would like to contact Steve Johnson, please email steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org or call him on 07359 067631.
Glossop parish church of All Saints has become the first church in the Diocese of Derby to achieve a gold Eco Church award.
The award is the highest accolade given by A Rocha UK, a Christian conservation charity, and reflects the church’s commitment to put creation care at the heart of their activities, and highlights how Eco Churches benefit biodiversity and reduce their carbon footprint.
To achieve the award, Glossop parish church developed its churchyard to be a living sanctuary at the heart of the community.
The planting scheme encourages bees, butterflies and birds, there are bird boxes, bug and hedgehog hotels, and the hedges aren’t cut when birds might be nesting.
The land is used for outdoor services and learning about creation, and events such as The Great British Birdwatch, the Bellringers BBQ and the end-of-season party for Dark Peak Children’s orchestra.
Joining with churches and community groups across Glossopdale, they took part in the ‘Great British Spring Clean’ in April and October and collected a total of over 40 bags of litter from a local ‘grot spot’.
The church also had a green Christmas, renting a Christmas tree which the Reverend David said is returned after Christmas so it can continue growing.
They also sent candle stubs and used tea lights to a company in the southwest of England who recycle them into candles.
During January month they are being part of ‘Buy Nothing New Month’, trying out alternatives like renting, repairing and buying pre-loved items to save both money as well as the planet.
The Vicar at All Saints, the Reverend David Mundy, said All Saints had put the concept of caring for creation at the heart of all their thinking: "The Eco Church award scheme has been instrumental in helping us understand practical ways to engage with the Anglican Communion’s ‘Fifth Mark of Mission’: 'To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth'.
"Working to achieve the different levels of award has challenged us about our faith.
"We have increasingly come to recognise that the lifestyle choices we make – what we eat, what we wear, how we travel, how we dispose of our waste, and so on – have implications not only for the planet but also for our sisters and brothers in the global South.
"The gold award is not the end of our journey; it is a staging post. I am very proud of the Eco Church team at All Saints.
"Our next steps include investigating how we might work towards the net zero targets and supporting other parishes on their Eco Church journeys."
On hearing of the award, the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said: "My congratulations go to everyone at All Saints, Glossop, and especially Barbara Fearnley and Eric Igo for the amazing work they have done as they have travelled towards and been awarded with Gold Eco Church status.
"Projects undertaken have included tending the churchyard and developing it as a sanctuary for humans, plants and animals, litter picking, toilet twinning, recycling candle stubs, partnering with USPG Green Schools programme in South India and 'renting' a Christmas tree which will be replanted so it can continue growing.
"I look forward to more of our churches following this example and being more environmentally sustainable and ecologically friendly.
"This is great news for the parish, for the diocese and, above all, for the environkment and the wildlife that will benefit from this remarkable effort in caring for God's creation."
And the Reverend Lucy Foster, A Rocha UK’s Eco Church Officer for Northern England said, “All Saints’ creation care is deeply rooted in their worship and prayer life and flows through all they do - from the beautiful accessible sacred space of their churchyard, and Toilet Twinning to initiatives with community partners to combat air pollution in areas of deprivation.
"They are an inspiring example of how church environmental action benefits both global and local neighbours."
Learn more about the Eco Church award scheme
The Bishop of Derby has announced the new diocesan secretary will be Will Hagger, who is currently the diocese of London's director of housing and investment property.
Will brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked for the London Diocesan Fund for eight years.
He is a chartered surveyor and has previously worked for property fund management business, Newcore Capital.
Will said: “I am really excited by the opportunities and challenges that my new role in Derby will present, both professionally and personally.
"Whilst I will be sad to leave the Diocese of London, I am looking forward to getting acquainted with the Diocese of Derby and the whole of Derbyshire.”
On announcing the appointment, Bishop Libby said: “I know you will join me in warmly welcoming Will to the Diocese of Derby.
"He will be a great asset to the diocese and in leading DBF colleagues from Church House.
"Please keep him and his family in your prayers as they prepare to move and through all their transitions."
Will’s first day with us will be 1st May.
On Sunday, 22 January 2023, St Peter’s Chellaston welcomed members of the Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) for a service focused on the experience of disabled people. The congregation showed their support with over 60 people attending the service.
Reader Lynda Herbert, who works for ‘Through the Roof’ - an organisation highlighting these issues - spoke from Mark 2 1-12 about overcoming obstacles churches too often inadvertently place in the path of disabled people.
Bishop Malcolm actively supports the Diocesan DIAG and presided at the service said, “We look forward to offering assistance to parishes as they consider how best to welcome people with disabilities - more information and resources will soon be available on the diocesan website”.
Lynda Herbert commented "We, the members of DIAG were given such a warm welcome by all at St Peter's and it was lovely to experience their willingness to explore how they can make the church a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. We look forward to working with them on the forthcoming access and inclusion audit".
Pictured (L-R) are Carl Veal (Chair of the DIAG) and his guide dog Eaton, Rachel Harrison (Reader and warden), Bishop Malcolm, Lynda Herbert (Reader and DIAG member), Revd BJ Facey (Vicar of St Peter’s Chellaston) and Terry Nash (DIAG member).
In March 2023, the DIAG will be launching their webpage on the Diocesan website which will it is hoped will be a great platform for parishes to learn more about the group, seek assistance and guidance, and download a range of resources.
A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the ministry of the Venerable Carol Coslett, Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, will take place on Saturday, 11 February 2023 at 3 pm at St John’s Buxton.
This will be an opportunity to say farewell as Carol leaves for her new post in the Diocese of Southwark.
Several choirs will be participating and offering different musical contributions during the service.
Archdeacon Carol would love you to come and join the choir to sing at her Farewell Service.
There will be a rehearsak in church at 1.30 pm with the service taking place at 3 pm.
If you are interested, please email Archdeacon Carol or Michael Williams by Monday, 30 January 2022 indicating with your contact number, whether you are Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass, and brief details of your choral experience.
Contact Archdeacon Carol at Carol.coslett@derby.anglican.org
Contact Michael Williams at mwilliams@bemerton.co.uk
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)!”
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.
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.
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
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!
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:
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.
