A wonderful congregation gathered on a very cold night on Thursday, 20 November 2025, to celebrate two Baptisms and 11 Confirmations presided over by the Bishop of Repton, the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, together with the supporting priests who had been responsible for preparing and presenting the candidates.

In his address, Bishop Malcolm cited individual statements by the candidates in wishing to be confirmed and as an encouragement to all those present in our walk with God.

Nine-year-old Luke, the youngest candidate was well prepared for his confirmation. He attended the service supported by the Revd Nigel Rode from St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne.

Luke was there with his Mum, Reina and Dad, Brian, and several supporters from Ashbourne who all felt close to this family who are much loved in the community. His confirmation clearly meant a great deal not only to him but in fact to them all.

Bishop Malcolm reflected, “It was a joy and privilege to be at St Mary’s Wirksworth for this special service. Confirmations are an invitation for people to renew their baptismal vows, receive prayer for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, and to profess their faith publicly, often with family and friends there to support”.

Under the Church of England Learning and Development Framework, safeguarding training must be renewed every three years, in addition you must also have a valid DBS check, which also needs to be renewed every three years.

Currently, the Diocesan Safeguarding Team sends reminders at 6, 4, and 2 months before expiry. From 1 January 2026, this process will change to a single reminder sent 4 months before expiry for both safeguarding training and DBS checks.

This change coincides with the Diocese of Derby becoming the first in the country to implement a Diocesan Safeguarding Hub. The Hub will:

• Automatically send renewal reminders
• Allow you to access your own records and check expiry dates
• Put you in control of keeping your training and DBS up to date

Access to the Hub will be restricted to those who need it, including the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, the Bishop’s Office and Warden of Readers. All information will be managed in line with GDPR regulations.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact us at safeguarding@derby.anglican.org 

Thank you for your continued commitment to safeguarding.

Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Diocese of Derby

On 16 November 2025, a special diocesan service was held for Safeguarding Sunday at St John’s Church, Walton, to give thanks for those working in safeguarding in our parishes and to remember victims and survivors of abuse. The service was led by both Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm, and the Diocesan Safeguarding team. 

Safeguarding Sunday is an annual campaign led by the Christian safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight. Churches are encouraged to reflect on and improve their safeguarding practices to ensure vulnerable people are protected. The key theme for 2025 is "Action Speaks Louder". 

Bishop Libby gave thanks for all those working for the good of our church and communities: to repent of our failings and hold before God all those who have been hurt or harmed by our action or inaction; and to look to the future, committing ourselves afresh to seek the Kingdom of God by playing our part in being a safer church. 

Bishop Malcolm focused his sermon on the reading in the service from 1 John 3.16-24 where St John said, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. Loving in action and in truth”.  

He highlighted that “we should model ourselves on the example of Jesus, in whom the truth is spelt out in both action and words.  It’s all very well expressing sympathy, or empathy – but if “I am not willing to lift a finger to help”, or to “dig deep in my pocket to help”, what use am I? ‘I hear what you say’ or ‘I hear your pain’ is all very well – but what do I do to make up for the damage done? Action speaks louder than words”.  

“As St Theresa of Kolkata taught, we should spend more time washing feet, so there is less time for throwing stones. How we and the world all need to learn that lesson”.  

“Talking of words, truth matters. In the media, in daily life, and especially when it comes to safeguarding. Listening well, getting it right, telling it clearly, not twisting others’ words, but speaking and acting, in love”. 

Lisa Marriott, Head of Safeguarding and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, gave her thanks to Parish Safeguarding Officers for their ongoing commitment to safeguarding, highlighting that their vigilance, care, and willingness to embed safeguarding into the life of our churches makes a real difference.  

She said, “Together, we are creating communities where everyone feels safer, valued, and protected. This work is not always easy, but it is vital, and your dedication is deeply appreciated. Safeguarding is not a tick-box exercise. It is a reflection of our faith, it embodies the core values of care, protection and justice that lie at the heart of Christian teaching. Let’s continue to build a church where safeguarding is not just a standard, but a way of life”. 

>> Diocese of Derby Safeguarding 

>> Learn more about thiryone:eight 

The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) successfully launched their recognisable symbols project; all housed in one website – www.accessiblechurch.net.

The symbols enable churches to make a positive difference by openly displaying the accessibility available to support worshippers with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity.

As a result of this project, Helen James, Disability Project Manager for the Church of England confirmed that the symbols will be made available for all parishes throughout all dioceses to use and implement.

They will feature in a free national webinar on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

As the diocesan lead on the project, Bishop Malcolm Macnaughton said “‘All people, including those with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity’s, are made in God’s image, and called to be disciples of Jesus, reflecting God’s glory by the way we live. Church communities want to be welcoming and inclusive to everyone, but we struggle to make everything equally accessible for all needs. These symbols make this easier by making it clear to everyone what is possible in a particular church building and what is not. My prayer is that churches will find that communicating clearly helps people with a range of needs feel at home in church, and able to play their part. ‘

Carl Veal, Chair of DIAG, said “The Disability Inclusion Action Group comprises clergy and lay people with a range of disabilities, from across the Diocese of Derby.  Their aim is to see disability inclusion taken seriously in our churches and across the Diocese. Their work is focused around three key themes - Attitude, Access, and Agency.”

>> Book your free webinar place

>> View and download the symbols

>> Contact the DIAG team

Journeying together: a summary of Diocesan Synod, 18 October 2025

Diocesan finances and our Net Zero Carbon strategy were the focus of conversation at the Derby Diocesan Synod, as it met for its 147th session on Saturday, 18 October in St John’s Church, Walton.

This was a really active meeting and our thanks to everyone who attended and provided their input.

If you want to know more, read the summary of the meeting here.

Church Urban Fund is a national charity working with local leaders, churches and other faith groups all over England. Our local partners are committed to serving and strengthening the community where they live.

Click on their logo to go to their introduction page.

NEW: easyfundraising Impact Fund : 20 x £500 unrestricted grants

The new easyfundraising Impact Fund is now open with 20 unrestricted grants of £500 for UK not-for-profit organisations to help them continue or enhance their work. The grant is unrestricted, so it can be used wherever the money is needed most to support your work.

When to apply: 23 February – 5 April

Who can apply:

The fund is open to UK based:

• Registered charities
• Other not-for-profit organisations
• Sports clubs and teams
• Schools and education settings
• Social enterprises and CICs
• After-school and youth groups
• Churches and religious organisations

How it’s awarded: The application form is straightforward. Grants will be awarded to organisations that best explain how they would use the £500. The grants will be awarded across a mix of categories and locations, and the fund is open to organisations of all sizes and structures. Apply here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/impact-fund

Church choirs receive £400,000 boost for programme to increase participation by children.

The breadth of funding streams potentially available for your project

Note: Many of these funders flow in and out of funding so it will be necessary to check directly to see if they are currently open to applications.

 Youth Work Project

• National Lottery Funding – Flexible, supports salaries, equipment, and community-led youth projects.
• The Childs Charitable Trust– Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel, including youth work.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports Christian education and youth ministry.
• The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants for churches starting youth-focused projects.
• Laing Family Trusts – Support Christian youth initiatives, including capital improvements.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports youth-focused Christian projects and church property improvements.
• Garfield Weston Foundation - Garfield Weston Foundation funding youth work.

Community Outreach Project

• National Lottery Funding– Strong fit for community-led outreach, especially in disadvantaged areas.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects with community impact and Christian ethos.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Funds Christian social action and community cohesion.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Supports innovative social projects that promote human flourishing.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry with community impact.

 Mental Health Support Project

• National Lottery Funding– Supports mental health initiatives, especially in underserved communities.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Funds pioneering social and medical projects.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects tackling social issues, including mental health.
• Joseph Rank Trust – May support if framed within practical and spiritual needs.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Supports Christian social thought and action, including mental health.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry, including pastoral care.

Funders that May Support Equipment (with the right framing):

• Benefact Trust – Typically funds capital projects, so if the equipment is part of a building upgrade or a tangible, lasting asset, it may be eligible.
• Biffa Award– Focuses on building improvements, but may include fixtures and fittings (e.g. kitchen equipment, heating systems).
• National Lottery Funding– Very flexible and can fund equipment, especially if it supports community benefit.
• Joseph Rank Trust– May support equipment if it’s part of a broader Christian community or educational project.
• Laing Family Trusts– Could support equipment if it’s essential to a Christian youth or community initiative.
• The Cinnamon Network – Their £2,000 micro-grants could be used for small-scale equipment needs tied to a recommended project.

 Possibly Suitable for Salaries or Staff Costs

• The Childs Charitable Trust – Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel; may fund staff if aligned with mission.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports individuals in ministry training and Christian education; may support youth workers if aligned.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry broadly; may include staffing.
• Benefact Trust - This is another funder that can support salaries for community-based projects.

Building Renovation Project

• Biffa Award – Excellent for community building renovations; must meet location criteria and provide 10% match funding.
• Benefact Trust – Funds capital projects with Christian ethos and community impact.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports church property improvements for community use.
• Laing Family Trusts – Fund capital improvements for Christian organisations.
• John James Charitable Trust – May support building improvements for Christian youth work.

 Funders Likely to Offer 100% Funding

• National Lottery Funding flexible and equity-based; can fund full project costs including salaries, equipment, and delivery.
• The Childs Charitable Trust No mention of match funding; supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel.
• The Cinnamon Network offers fixed micro-grants (£2,000); no match funding required.
• John James Charitable Trust supports individuals and organisations; no match funding mentioned.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust focuses on innovative projects; no match funding requirement stated.
• Slavanka Trust supports Christian ministry and education; no match funding mentioned.
• Saltley trust funds Christian learning and education; no match funding requirement noted.
• The Bishop Radford Trust supports Christian ministry; no indication of match funding needed.
• MB Reckitt Trust Funds Christian social thought and action; no match funding required.

Funders That Require or Prefer Match Funding

• · Biffa Award requires a 10% third-party contribution. This is a strict condition for eligibility.
• · Benefact Trust typically funds only a small percentage of the total project cost to support more causes. Match funding is expected.
• · Joseph Rank Trust While not explicitly stated, they often fund part of a project and expect applicants to have other sources of funding.
• · Laing Family Trusts may not fund 100% of a project; co-funding is often expected, especially for capital projects

 Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, was alive with activity as they marked 200 years since the beginning of the modern railway.

George Stephenson Day took place on Saturday 27 August – the anniversary of the first journey of Locomotion No. 1; the engine Stephenson built in 1825.

That short 26-mile journey from Shildon to Stockton changed the world, opening up travel, trade and opportunity in a way never seen before.

Over 800 visitors walked through the doors of Holy Trinity on the Saturday. Families, railway enthusiasts, local historians and locals came together to learn about George Stephenson, who is buried at Holy Trinity.

A costumed interpreter brought him to life, meeting visitors, posing for photographs and gave talks on “The Railway That Changed the World.”

Revd Jilly Hancock said “There was a wonderful atmosphere all day, full of curiosity, conversation and community spirit. Revd Malcolm Pyatt led a short service of reflection and thanks, and it was a day full of God’s blessing, as we celebrated both our heritage and the people who made it possible. Our hope is that through this project, Stephenson’s legacy and the light of God’s presence in this place, will continue to inspire future generations.”

The celebrations continued on Sunday, with a service of thanksgiving, giving glory to God for the vision, courage and creativity that shaped our modern world.

Among those who attended the service were the Duke of Devonshire, Sir Andrew Haines - Chief Executive of Network Rail, Pam Liversidge - President of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, HM Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt and Mr Tom Ingle.

The service gave thanks not only for George Stephenson but also for the generations of railway workers, miners, engineers and families whose work has shaped Chesterfield’s story.

The weekend formed part of a wider heritage project, supported by a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from East Midlands Railway, Cross Country Rail, the Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors and Holy Trinity Church.

Over the next two years, the project will see Holy Trinity transformed into both a place of worship and a heritage destination, with new interpretation displays, school and community activities and a dedicated visitor space within the church.

As well as celebrating Stephenson’s life and achievements, the project will explore Chesterfield’s wider industrial story, the growth of the town in the Victorian era, the Clay Cross Company and the region’s mining history.

It will also mark 40 years since the Miners’ Strike, providing space to reflect on how industry has shaped our communities and our faith.

Holy Trinity has always been proud of its connection to George Stephenson, but this weekend was a reminder that his story is about more than engineering. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and faith, qualities that still inspire us today.

Featured on the photograph (L-R): HM Lord lieutenant, Sir Andrew Haines, Pam Liversage, Duke of Devonshire, High Sherriff of Derbyshire and his police cadet, Revd Jilly Hancock, Revd Malcolm Pyatt, David Nightingale, Mayor of Liverpool, Mayor of Chesterfield

Resources to support promotion of the 2025 Bishops' Harvest Appeal

Word Documents

>> Text from September Diocesan message (Bishop Malcolm)

>> Parish Magazine article promoting Harvest Appeal

Harvest Appeal Logos

>> Trees for Peace banner [JPEG]

>> Trees for Peace Logo including line from Revelations [JPEG]

>> Trees for Peace Logo including statement [JPEG]

>> Website image [JPEG]

Photos from Bujumbura

>> Image 1 [JPEG]

>> Image 2 [JPEG]

>> Image 3 [JPEG]

>> Image 4 [JPEG]

>> Image 5 [JPEG]

>> Image 6 [JPEG]

Raising funds either loaclly or from external sources (charitable trusts, government funding streams, the National Lottery etc) can be daunting.

If you have a project brief or specification worked up, and are now ready to look in to what funds maybe available, contact Gareth Greenwood, the Church Buildings Support Officer.

From time to time specific trusts or funding streams are drawn to our attention and we will list key ones here.  Please do keep in touch with us, we may be able to offer support and help and we would love to hear how you get on, successful or otherwise, so that others can learn from your experience.

This page focuses on funding - if you are looking for wider buildings support information the following links will take you to it:

All things permissions and Diocesan Advisory Committee

Broader advice helpo and signposting regarding managing, maintaining or developing your buildings

Creationtide 2025

The Season of Creation in the Christian calendar is observed from 1 September to 4 October 2025.

This season is dedicated to prayer, reflection and action for the care of God’s creation.

Rooted and guided by the bible, it offers churches and individuals across denominations a shared opportunity to renew their relationship with the natural world.

As environmental crises deepen, this season invites a faithful response, grounded in worship, repentance and hope, for us to live more gently and justly on the Earth.

>> Creationtide resources on CofE website

This Season of Creation, churches across the country are making the Great Switch to a green tariff - and we’d love you to be a part of it.

An introduction from Will Rolls, Net Zero Carbon Programme & Projects Manager

As Christians, caring for creation is not just a response to a global crisis, it’s a reflection of who we are. We are called to love God and love our neighbours, and that includes protecting the Earth that sustains us all. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and the Church has a vital role to play not only as a moral voice but also as a steward of buildings at the heart of communities across the country. Acting on climate is a way of living out our faith, honouring the gift of creation, and standing in solidarity with those most affected.

 
What’s it all about?

God calls us to care for His creation and to love our global neighbours.

If all churches switched to a green energy tariff, that could reduce our carbon emissions by up to 78%, helping lead the way towards a cleaner, fairer future for all. 

The global climate emergency is a crisis for our world. That’s why the Church of England has an ambition to reduce our carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

Together, we can act in faith, taking small but powerful steps to help restore God’s creation. 

Taking a small step, to light the way.

Switching to a green energy tariff is a small but powerful step your church can take to reduce your environmental impact.

By choosing an ethical green energy supplier, we are:

• Ensuring our churches can be a beacon of hope for everyone.

• Actively increasing investment in renewable energy.

• Supporting ethical companies working hard to reduce carbon emissions, addressing global climate injustice.

• Demonstrating our faith in action.

What can you do?

• Together, we can take small but powerful steps to help restore God’s creation.

• Your church can join the movement and [pledge/switch], to a green tariff.

• The green energy market can be tricky to navigate, so the CofE has done the research needed to help you confidently choose an ethical green supplier.

• The Church of England website has guidance on choosing green tariffs. If you’re not quite ready to make the switch now, you can still join in by making a pledge.

• God calls us to care for His creation and to love our global neighbours - why not join the movement and make The Great Switch this Season of Creation.

Note - additional resources will be added as they become available

The Great Switch campaign toolkit

>> Access the toolkit and resources

We've Pledged graphics for social media

>> Version 1

>> Version 2

>> Version 3

>> Version 4 - coming soon

>> Version 5 - coming soon

>> Version 6 - coming soon

"Hero" video

>> View the Hero video on YouTube