General Synod report written by Kat Alldread.
18 April 2024
The Revd Stephen Potter, Curate of Chesterfield Holy Trinity and Christ Church (Derby) 1995 -1999, Priest-in-Charge of South Normanton 1999 - 2001, Rector of the same benefice 2001 - 2023, who retired in 2023, died on 14 April 2024.Funeral details will follow in due course.
The Revd Laura Neilson, until recently Assistant Curate of Burscough St John, Diocese of Liverpool, has been appointed Assistant Curate (SSM) of Dinting Vale and the Glossopdale Mission Community, Diocese of Derby. Laura will be licensed on Wednesday, 1 May at 5 pm in the Bishop’s Chapel Duffield by the Bishop of Derby.
11 April 2024
The Revd Canon Helen Guest, Rector of Killamarsh and Renishaw, Diocese of Derby, has announced her retirement. Her last day in post will be Friday, 17 May 2024, with her first day of retirement being Saturday, 18 May 2024. Helen will be appointed Canon Emeritus of Derby Cathedral in retirement.
The Venerable Matthew Trick, Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Canon Residentiary at Derby Cathedral in the same diocese.
I was nominated by the Bishop of Derby, Bishop Libby, along with Madelaine Goddard, to receive Royal Maundy at Worcester Cathedral, a great honour for us both and, in my case, for reasons that are not at all clear, because I have simply been carrying out my role as churchwarden at St Anne’s church, Ambergate, during long years of interrregnum.
The distribution is in two parts and the gifts handed to the recipients are symbolic.
Two leather purses are given, one red and the other white.
They have been beautifully manufactured with leather thongs, which are tied together to form a single presentation package of the two purses.
The red purse contains a nominal allowance for clothing and provisions, formerly given in kind, and a payment for the redemption of the royal gown and consists of a crown (£5) with an image of a Tudor Dragon and, this year, a 50p celebrating 200 years of the RNLI.
The white purse contains the Royal Maundy, a set of silver coins, in denominations of 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p, that amount to the age of the King, seventy-five years.
Each individual pouch amounts to 10p and a separate pouch contains a 2p and a 3p to make the total up to 75p.
The Lord High Almoner, The Right Reverend Dr John Inge, who is also the Bishop of Worcester, talked to the recipients as well as the rest of the congregation, about the service, its history and origins quoting the mandatum and setting the scene for the service.
Then, the processions started and the whole service became, for me, highly emotional and overwhelming.
Those wonderful words of the great hymn "When I survey the wondrous Cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride” came into my mind and I became acutely aware of the honour that I was about to receive.
Christ, in all His glorious resurrection, was present in this service and I am very grateful for being nominated by the Bishop of Derby!
When it came to the Distribution of the Royal Maundy, I was positioned on the south aisle at the rear of the main section, one set of rows forward of the west door.
Queen Camilla came down the south aisle bestowing Royal Maundy on each recipient, positioned at the end of each row of pews.
When it came to my turn to receive the Royal Maundy, the Queen said: “Thank you for your service”, to which I replied: “Thank you, your Majesty, it is much appreciated.”
Maundy facts
The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the 4th-Century.
The Maundy money ceremony itself began in 1662, when Charles II gave out coins.
This year, Queen Camilla distributed the Maundy money to 75 men and 75 women from around the country - one man and one woman for each year of the monarch's age.
The gift is presented in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years.
In recent times it has been the tradition for the service to travel to different cathedrals; last year the service was held at York Minster. It was last held in Derby in 2010.
The word ‘Maundy’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘commandment’ - it was on this Thursday, the day before he died, that Jesus gave his disciples what he described as a new commandment: ‘that you should love one another as I have loved you’.
The Church Commissioners have made a small fund available for minor repairs and improvements, which the Church Buildings Support Officer will be administering through a process of funding rounds over the next 18 months.
Do you have an outstanding minor repair that has been highlighted in a recent QI that:
- Needs attention within the QI period, and;
- Will save potential more costly repair in the future?
Has your church Architect identified improvement work in connection with:
- Building design defects or obsolescence
- The improvement of physical access
Has the PCC identified improvements relating to:
- Heating, lighting, wiring, kitchens, WCs
- Digital connectivity
- Bat mitigation measures
If yes, then you may have qualifying work.
Carefully read the Eligibility Criteria before contacting the Church Buildings Support Officer for any clarification or to request a visit.
It is the PCC’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate faculty process for all repairs and improvements to parish buildings are followed and evidenced, before MRI grants are released.
The DAC Secretary is always happy to advise.
Derby Cathedral is seeking a colleague with energy and imagination to lead on the development of inspirational worship and music which is at the heart of Derby Cathedral’s strategic vision.
A new Canon Precentor will join in with what God is already doing amongst us and share in the cathedral’s senior leadership team by working in partnership with both lay and ordained colleagues.
We have a stimulating high quality choral offer that is growing across all our choirs.
We are developing exciting programmes to reach even more children and young people with the joys of singing. We aspire to reach out widely with our music, attracting many to enjoy the riches of Derby Cathedral and experience God in new ways.
Our new Canon Precentor will have oversight over music and worship and will be a source of encouragement to the many who participate in Cathedral music. As a strategic and creative thinker, you will strengthen the Chapter and enjoy working in partnership with our key stakeholders in the city and the county of Derbyshire. You will enable the Cathedral community to deepen its engagement with spirituality, discipleship, and mission through developing appropriate forms of liturgy that enable us to extend our reach to new audiences and groups.
If you have a vision for developing worship and music in a Cathedral that is committed to a deep engagement with its context and set in a vibrant city and beautiful county, then we would love to hear from you and talk about your hopes for your next move!
For an informal conversation with the Dean of Derby, The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Robinson, contact the Dean’s PA, Trish Thistlewood (email: patricia@derbycathedral.org or telephone 01332 341201).
Closing date for applications: 9am Wednesday 24th April 2024.
Cathedral Visits: Tuesday 21st May 2024.
Interviews: Wednesday 22nd May 2024
This appointment is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.
Madelaine Goddard was one of 150 people to receive Maundy Money from Her Majesty The Queen last week.
The Royal Maundy Service saw 75 men and 75 women receive the specially minted coins at Worcester Cathedral, in recognition of their many years of Christian service to their local community and church.
"It was awe inspiring. Fantastic," said Madelaine, who is currently a Deanery Synod member and lay chair for Derby City Deanery.
Maundy money was also presented to Piers Bostock of St Anne's Ambergate.
Madelaine Goddard said: "The first thing that struck me was how lovely and friendly everyone was - the police, the marshals and the 6th-formers who escorted us to our seat all seemed to want us to have a great day.
"The service and the pageantry were beautiful and the whole atmosphere was wonderfully uplifting both inside and out, despite the horrid weather."
Although she described the day as 'memorable', Madelaine had to confess that one part of it was a bit of a blur: "I think I was slightly nervous as the Queen walked towards me.
"She was very charming and gracious and she spoke to all the recipients - but I can't actually remember most of what she said to me, apart from 'God bless' at the end of our conversation!"
Queen Camilla presented the coins this year on behalf of His Majesty The King.
King Charles, who is being treated for cancer, sent a video message to the service expressing his 'great sadness' at missing the Maundy Thursday service.
The purses containg the coins were carried on large salvers by Yeoman Warders from the Tower of London.
Madelaine's Maundy adventure began back in February when a letter bearing the royal crest landed on her door mat.
"Oh gosh, what on Earth's this?" She recalls thinking.
The letter was an invitation to receive Maundy money and said she had been nominated by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby.
"I remember feeling very honoured and privileged to have even been considered," said Madelaine. "Though a part of me kept wondering 'why me?'"
Maundy facts
The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the 4th-Century.
The Maundy money ceremony itself began in 1662, when Charles II gave out coins.
This year, Queen Camilla distributed the Maundy money to 75 men and 75 women from around the country - one man and one woman for each year of the monarch's age.
The gift is presented in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years.
In recent times it has been the tradition for the service to travel to different cathedrals; last year the service was held at York Minster. It was last held in Derby in 2010.
The word ‘Maundy’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘commandment’ - it was on this Thursday, the day before he died, that Jesus gave his disciples what he described as a new commandment: ‘that you should love one another as I have loved you’.
We are looking for a Team Vicar for this Team of one Parish and five churches: St. Lawrence, North Wingfield; St. Bartholomew’s, Clay Cross; St Barnabas, Danesmoor; St. Mary the Virgin, Pilsley and St. John’s, Tupton.
This rapidly expanding area to the south of Chesterfield has a rich industrial heritage and is not far from the Peak District National Park. The area is interesting in its own right and is also ideally situated for exploring neighbouring towns, cities and countryside. Proximity to the M1 (Junction 29) and A1 affords good communication.
The current Team Rector has been in post since 2022 and has been working hard together with lay leaders and congregations to establish a renewed vision for mission and discipleship across the team.
We are seeking an energetic, prayerful, evangelical charismatic priest who holds Scripture in high regard and who will continue to work with the Rector and others to:
- strengthen and develop a culture of discipleship and mission across all congregations and contexts, raising up and nurturing new leaders.
- work effectively and with initiative amongst children, young people and families, including with local schools and uniformed organisations.
- develop, with others, new worshipping contexts, especially in areas of new housing.
- build friendly and warm relationships with people of all ages and across and between each community.
The Rectory is a large 4-bedroomed house in Pilsley.
A copy of the parish profile and contact details can be viewed using the links below:
Letter from the BIshop of Derby
For more information about this post, please contact:
The Venerable Karen Hamblin, Archdeacon of East Derbyshire karen.hamblin@derby.anglican.org
Closing date for applications: Noon, 11th April 2024
Proposed interview date: 30th April 2024
This post requires an Enhanced DBS check.
Bishops Libby and Malcolm have been reflecting on the gospel readings set for the principal service for the Sundays in Lent.
It has been a privilege for +Malcolm and I to engage with others, laity and clergy, on these passages of scripture. We have valued reflecting on our own study and wisdom and sharing what we had heard and taught in services over each weekend. I have appreciated the rich conversation and personal stories being offered as we listen, discuss and pray.
As we heard the story of the first disciples interaction with those around them, we wondered who are ‘Greeks’ among us?
Would they know to come to us if they want to see Jesus? Will they feel able to come to ask us about Jesus?
Perhaps ‘Greeks’ are all and any who are looking, who are seeking understanding. In fact we don’t know what these Greeks wanted Jesus for.
Their seeking may have been shallow or selfish or even harmful. Whatever their motivation this passage helps us to see that all our seeking is only ever a response to God’s first seeking us.
Jesus is God seeking out everyone “I will draw all people to myself”.
We considered who are the people we go to to share in the work of witness, if like Philip, we are approached by someone who wants to know more of Jesus. Who supports us as we share our faith?
We also wondered if we sometimes act as ‘gatekeepers’ to Jesus, putting barriers between those who are seeking and the possibility of meeting Jesus for themselves – in this account, do these enquiring Greeks actually get to see Jesus?
A grain of wheat is still a powerful image that, for example, can offer hope in facing death. We also saw in this the connection with the Eucharist as grains of wheat are given new purpose in the bread that may be broken to feed many.
We recognised that in this passage we have moved into a narrative that is clouded over by Jesus’ approaching passion – knowing what is to come everything we see, heard, felt, in light of knowing what Jesus is choosing to bear for us all. All is now read in the knowledge that Jesus is the grain of wheat that falls to the ground to bring new life and fruitfulness.
We noticed that increasing urgency of this passage, now ... now … now repeated throughout. The voice from heaven speaks and makes engagement immediate. ‘Pay attention, wake up, take notice’ it seems to demand – the hour has come!
We wondered how that hour which was for for the glory of God connects to my ‘now’ and the ‘now’ of the world today – can our time be ‘this hour’ too? What is validity of imagining ourselves into this story, and into passion story? If that hour is our hour, how are we to understand letting go of/ hating love of life in this world that we might gain eternal life?
Perhaps that is in partnering with God in what God is doing, for ‘where I am, there will my servant be’. We speak in the church sometimes of ‘finding out with what God is doing and joining in with it’? But does that suggest that God is only at work in some places and not others? How do we inhabit what feels like failure, ‘the way of the cross’, and find God there?
The forces of darkness did ‘win’ Jesus’ death but that was Jesus’ victory. Do we believe God is everywhere at work, even – or especially – in those places that look like failure?
In John’s gospel not always clear when is Jesus speaking and when is John commenting, but at the end of this passage we have an explicit commentary from the evangelist, ‘he said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die’.
Does John mean that Jesus words point to the mechanism of his coming death ie crucifixion by which he would be physically ‘lifted up from the earth’? And/or is John drawing attention to the nature and purpose of Jesus’ death, that it will ‘draw all people to myself’?
As we reflected together for the last time this Lent John had drawn us to a place where we were preparing both to face the terrible practical realities of Jesus suffering, trial and crucifixion – the means of His death, and to consider afresh the implications of Jesus’ sacrifice -what His death means.
John 12.20-33
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
A group of walkers from Youlgrave All Saints is embarking on a marathon journey to all of England's 42 Anglican cathedrals to raise £42,000 for improvements to the church.
The self-styled Pommie Pilgrims - named for the sound of the village band - aim to complete a total of 10 million steps on their travels to help fundraise to provide a kitchen, warm space and toilets for Youlgrave’s 12th-Century church.
The journey begins on at 12 noon on Palm Sunday with the start of the first pilgrimage - a three-day walk to Derby with the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Teresa Peltier, the Youlgrave Silver Band, the WI Choir, a host of village pilgrims and a couple of donkeys!
The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill, will also be in attendance to wave them off.
Bishop Libby and Dean Peter will meet the Pommie Pilgrims as they arrive at Derby Cathedral on Tuesday, 26 March.
>> Find out more and make a donation
Revd Adele Barker, Priest-in-Charge of the White Peak and Youlgrave Benefice, said: "We have a beautiful church building and all that is raised will be used to ensure that we can provide a warm welcome and hospitality in All Saints for many more years to come.
"Our hope to connect Youlgrave with each cathedral in the country via pilgrimage is a huge challenge.
"It will be interesting to hear all the stories that will flow from each journey!"
The dean of each cathedral has been invited to to meet them on their journey.
>> Follow the Pommie Pilgrims on Facebook
A pottery pilgrim’s token, designed by local artist Phil Smith, will be carried and presented to each cathedral forging a permanent link back to Youlgrave.
Revd Cannon Elizabeth Jane Clay MBE, chair of the Pommie Pilgrimage organising group, said: "Ten million steps to connect our village with some of the grandest buildings in the country feels like an impossible task, but one step at a time, together, we’ll get there.
We’re not expecting to raise this amount of money by being sponsored a penny a mile, but if you’re able to spend more than a penny for our loos, please do get in touch!”
All Saint’s Church is a Grade One listed building loved by the villagers of Youlgrave and beyond.
It is a resting place for weary walkers, a classroom and performance space for eager school children, a community foodbank for those in need, a vital community link for the elderly, children and families and a regular place of worship, remembrance and celebration for a whole community.
Many visitors wander in daily and enjoy the calm spirituality of this wonderful building, which features in Simon Jenkins's book ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’.
Although All Saints has undergone many alterations since its founding in 1155, it will benefit further by the addition of some key amenities to ensure its sustainability and to make it more welcoming.
