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 of your social media stories that have caught our eye recently:

St Alkmund's Church in Derby is to host one of a series of vocational events for those who are disabled or neurodivergent.

The event, on Saturday, 21 September, could give those who are deaf, disabled or neurodivergent the opportunity to explore their sense of calling to lay or ordained ministry, in a safe, accessible space with engaging presentations by keynote speakers.

The speakers at the Derby event are:

• Haydon Spenceley - Peterborough Diocese Director of Ordinands
• Lynda Herbert - Licensed Lay Minister, Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group member

Drawing directly from their own lived experience, they will share their stories and talk about how they worked through their sense of vocation.

They’ll also be able to answer questions about how accessible they found the discernment process and how they were able to deal with barriers which arose in connection with their disability and difference.

The national Disability Project is working to improve accessibility, inclusion and participation for those who are deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent in all aspects of our church life, as part of the Church of England’s vision to be ‘younger and more diverse’.

For full details, visit https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/barrier-free-belonging/explore-your-calling

St Peter's Church in Fairfield, Buxton, is one of over 100 churches to be offered a grant as part of the £5.2M Demonstrator Churches project from the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme.

This aims to help 114 churches in 2024 and 2025 pay for items such as solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, secondary glazing, LED lighting and infrared heating systems.

The Victorian church has been given funding for net zero projects as part of a new project from the Church of England.

As work progresses, the network of Demonstrator Churches - representing many different types of community and situations - will share what they have learned more widely with dioceses and parishes so that all Church of England churches can learn from their experiences.

Fairfield St Peter has received a Church of England Demonstrator Churches grant of £15,000 to explore transforming its carbon footprint and energy use by replacing its defunct boiler with a low-carbon alternative. The grant will be used to employ consultants to assess the alternatives and the needs of the church going forwards.

The Revd Howard Robson, priest-in-charge, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected by the Diocese of Derby to be a Demonstrator Church and showcase what can be done to reduce a church’s carbon emissions, and we're keen top see what he consultants come up with!"

“Climate change is having negative effects on communities everywhere and by exploring how to best make changes to reduce our own emissions, we can play a part in tackling the problem and make a real difference.

"We’re pleased we'll be able to share our experience, knowing we can help other churches in our area with their net-zero projects.”

Abi Hiscock, Project and Grants Manager for the Church of England’s Net Zero Demonstrator Churches Project, said: “Ultimately, we want to demonstrate that with the right support and infrastructure, churches from diverse settings and facing a variety of challenges can reach net zero by 2030.

“By the end of this project, we will have over 100 case studies on what to do and when, and what not to do. Along the way, the supported churches are all required to act as champions to other churches in their dioceses or geographically near to them, or simply to other churches working from similar baselines to them, so that the learnings from these projects engage, influence and support this vision.”

It is hoped the project will reduce carbon emissions by 6,615 tonnes by 2030 – targeting some of the highest emitting churches across the UK.

The Demonstrator Churches project is part of the Church of England’s ambitious Net Zero Carbon Programme which aims to equip, resource and support all parts of the Church to reduce carbon emissions from the energy used in its buildings, schools and through work-related transport by 2030.

Bishops Libby and Malcolm have ordained four new deacons and six new priests in Petertide services at 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.

The new deacons (ordained by Bishop Libby) are:

Benjamin Andreo-Boosey, to serve in the the Benefice of Chesterfield Ss Augustine

Kara Gander, to serve in the Benefice of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, Newhall, and Gresley (collectively known as Swadlincote Minster)

Ailsa Hunt, to serve in the Benefice of Kirk Hallam

Sue Leather, to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Peter and Christ Church with Holy Trinity.

• See pictures from the deacons' ordination service here
• Meet some ordinands

The new priests (ordained by Bishop Malcolm) 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 and Blagreaves, and Findern,

Clare Owen, to serve in the Benefice of Mickleover and the Parish of Radbourne,

Lisa Price, to serve in the Benefice of Hope, Castleton and Bradwell,

Nicholas Radford-Powell, to serve in the Benefice of Wirksworth (Team Ministry).

• See pictures from the priests' ordination service here

The preacher was The Revd Prebendary Dr Isabelle Hamley, Principal of Ridley Hall College, who led the ordination retreat.

To download a copy of this years event list please follow the link below

Events list 2024 - printer friendly version

Events list 2024 - full colour version

Around 40 children have received Bishop's Badge Awards at a special service in Derby Cathedral.

Bishops Libby and Malcolm celebrated the contribution the children have made to the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Derby.

Individuals and groups of children were honoured for their commitment to generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love after Bishop Libby invited headteachers to nominate the child in their school who they feel best exemplifies the diocesan values in an age-appropriate way.

Speaking directly to the youngsters during the service, Bishop Libby said: "Don't ever let anyone tell you that you're not good enough or not valued - you are someone special and Jesus has seen that in you all. Thank you for all you are doing."

Each child presented with a badge also received a certificate of excellence.

• See the photos from this event [on Flickr]

| Children from Scargill CE Primary School led the congregation in prayer

Information About the Recipients

Breadsall CE Primary School - Bella, Bobby, Ronnie, Kathryn, Agnes, Ellen, Xander, Maisie, Poppy, Edward, Isabelle, Harper, Eilis, Callum and Rhys.
Generous Faith

The children joined with the congregation of Breadsall All Saint’s Church to take part in their annual Lent Challenge to support Kumi Primary School in Uganda to purchase some locally produced desks for their school.

Children undertook a variety of jobs for family and friends throughout the 40 days of Lent and were paid small amounts for these jobs.

The idea of using the period of Lent to take positive action rather than “giving up” something resonated with our community and thanks to the generous gift of time given by the pupils, the generosity of the families and friends who paid them to do a wide variety of jobs and the support of the Church, four desks (made by local people in the Kumi region) will be given to the Ugandan school.

Jacob - Monyash CE Primary School
Generous Faith

Jacob has been a shining light in our school all year. As an active member of the worship team he has led prayers which have been thoughtful, caring and reflective. He has never failed to amaze us with his maturity.

Ben – Church Broughton CE Primary School
Courageous Hope

Ben embodies courageous hope as he has shown an amazingly positive attitude towards his treatment and changes that his body and life has undergone. The plan has often changed, but he takes everything in his stride. Ben is able to talk openly about his condition and his treatment, showing others that there is hope.

Lily – Coton-In-the-Elms CE Primary School
Courageous Hope

Lily has personally taken it upon herself to set up a small enterprise, selling eggs from her chickens to raise money for toys for the local preschool in Rosliston. She is always offering to help around the school - in her own time as well. She has faced her own challenges in life but continues to put others first and outwardly be positive encouraging others to be so too.

Izzy – Dinting CE Primary School
Generous Faith

Izzy is so giving with her time to others, she is an incredibly thoughtful and caring human being, who always thinks of others.

Hudson-Lee – Langley Mill CE Infant and Nursery School
Generous Faith

Hudson-Lee has raised £465 for the ‘Little Princess Trust’ and donated his hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair because of life changing medical conditions.

Isla – Loscoe CE Primary School
Generous Faith

Isla is an outstanding, dedicated worship leader, whose faith shines out and inspires those around her. She is a supportive, kind role model for everyone within our community.

William – Loscoe CE Primary School
Generous Faith

William is an inspirational, committed worship leader, who always shows dedication and resilience. He mentors younger worship leaders and inspires everyone to be the best that they can be.

Millie – Norbury CE Primary School
Generous Faith, Courageous Hope and Life-Giving Love

Since her diagnosis of diabetes, Millie has shown incredible courage, managing medication, sharing her awareness of signs and symptoms by running events and assemblies and raising £6,000 for diabetes charities.

Isla – Ripley St John’s CE Primary School 
Life-giving Love

For spreading our school values all day, every day. Isla is an upstanding member of our school community, she is always making the right choices and supporting her peers. She lives through our Christian values every day and models our school rule of 'treat other people how you would like to be treated' at all times.

Seth – Ripley St John’s CE Primary School
Generous Faith

For leading our Worship Team with enthusiasm and courage and wants to encourage all of our children to be the best that they can be! Seth spreads our worship values and messagesdaily and wants to encourage all of our pupil to see things from different points of view.

Scargill CE Primary School - Edith, Lucia, Edward, Beatrix, Una, Hattie, Kauan, Reggie, Anya, Ava.
Generous Faith

Being part of the Collective Worship Committee of Scargill Church of England Primary School who work together as a team to inspire others through our Bible message ‘Let all that you do, be done in love’

Isla – St Chad’s CE Nursery and Infant School
Courageous Hope

Isla has overcome some personal challenges this academic year. She demonstrates so much bravery and courage. With ongoing love and encouragement from her wonderful mummy and school she has learnt that her voice matters.

Abdulrahman – St Chad’s CE Nursery and Infant School
Courageous Hope

Abdulrahman has not been in the UK long after arriving from Afghanistan with his father. He has faced personal difficulties and continues to show fierce bravery. He has a smile that brightens up any room. His thirst for learning is infectious.

Charlie – St Werburgh’s CE Primary School
Courageous Hope

Charlie is a courageous advocate for hope and inclusion. He uses his actions and words to stand up for what he knows to be right, respectfully challenging injustice.

Olivia – Turnditch CE Primary School
Generous Faith, Courageous Hope, Life Giving Love

For being a real team player, showing compassion for others and being determined to help raise money for the school.

Oriel  – Youlgrave All Saints CE Primary School
Life-giving Love
Oriel has lived out our school ethos since her first day in school. She has an obvious love of learning and looks to help everyone, always with a smile.

Growing Younger Additional Needs Training Events

The Diocese of Derby is hosting two key training events being led by Dr Naomi Fox, the Founder and CEO of Growing Hope, a charity that works with local churches to offer free therapy for children with additional needs.

The events will both be held on 8 July 2024, with the first session from 10.30am – 1pm and the second session 7pm – 9pm.

Both training events will be held at St Alkmund’s Church.

Join us for a time of learning and collaboration as we explore how to better serve children, young people and families with additional needs in our ministries.

Our churches have the opportunity to be good news to their communities as they face the challenge of supporting children, young people and families where any members have additional needs.

With resources stretched and waiting lists increasing, the local church has resources which can positively impact the lives of families who often do not get the level of support that they need.

The morning is suitable for all but is aimed particularly at leaders of ministry with children and young people, as well as church leaders and clergy.

The evening event is open to all, but is especially relevant for volunteers with children, young people and families.

Youth and children's ministers and/or clergy may want to come on their own in the morning and then come with their volunteer teams in the evening.

>> Lean more

>> Book your ticket for the morning event (10.30am - 1pm)

>> Book your ticket for the evening event (7pm - 7pm)

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:

Bishop Malcolm is going the extra mile for vulnerable communities around the world during Christian Aid Week 2024.

He is taking part in ‘70k in May’ – a challenge to cover 70 kilometres in whatever way you like, in solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce.

This year’s Christian Aid Week - from May 12–18 - is focussing on work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa.

Bishop Malcolm said his connections with Burundi are spurring him on to complete the challenge: “Every year, during Christian Aid Week, people across this country raise funds, act and pray for their global neighbours in a celebration of hope for a fairer world.

“I’m doing 70k in May not only to get more exercise, (though that in itself is going to help me) but mainly to encourage folks to give to Christian Aid’s work.

"With family and friends in Burundi, I want to help Christian Aid empower local communities facing extreme poverty and the impact of climate change.

“Here in the Diocese of Derby, we have been supporting the Diocese of Bujumbura’s work with people on the fringe of the city whose property is vulnerable to mudslides due to climate change.

"Christian Aid’s work with people in Burundi, on most counts the country with the world’s lowest per capita income, can make an immense difference.

“I plan to walk, cycle, and on a good day run a bit every day, to encourage people to join with me in supporting this work.”

Money raised during Christian Aid Week will help the organisation’s partners empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

Heavily reliant on agriculture, Burundi is also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides.

The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges: more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

To support Bishop Malcolm, please visit his fundraising page.

A total of 72 local men who died in service during the First World War are now remembered in a Roll of Honour mounted in the Church of Saints Augustine on Derby Road, Chesterfield.

Their names are on permanent display for the first time in around 100 years, after the original roll was taken down to allow the construction of the existing church building.

The church only realised the roll was missing in 2022, when military historian Michael Orme produced a 1920 newspaper cutting confirming that a roll of 72 names had once hung in the original building on the site.

The church’s vicar, Revd Sally-Anne Beecham, believes it is likely to have been lost when that building was demolished.

Revd Beecham said: “It’s extraordinary to think that no-one living has ever seen the original roll of honour and its whereabouts remain a mystery.

"It very quickly became a priority for us to replace the Roll and ensure these men are forgotten no longer, especially as the majority are not remembered anywhere else in the UK.”

In 2023, Michael Orme wrote Only Remembered, a book based on his research of the 72 local men who perished. 

A local committee was also formed, led by Revd Beecham, and together they planned, designed and raised money for the replacement. 

Mr Orme said: "The writing of Only Remembered was entirely motivated by the hope that, in sharing its story with a wider audience, Birdholme's lost roll of honour might eventually be replaced.

"It should, therefore, be obvious that I am both delighted and humbled by the fact that this has now been accomplished.

"I can only express my sincerest thanks to all those volunteers who shared this vision and have done such splendid work to make it a reality.”

The Roll has now been hung in the Lady Chapel of the church following a short ceremony on Saturday, 27 April.

The Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, marked its return along with uniformed personnel representing a number of military organisations.