News Stories
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
Printable prayer cards (A4 sheet - print double sided)
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.
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
St Francis Church in Mackworth is transforming lives with a new football club.
Thirty men between the ages of 18 and 30 are actively engaged with the club, despite the initial idea falling flat.
Earlier this year, a man who attends the church approached the vicar, Revd Andy Bond, with an interest to start a five-a-side football team.
After a period where very few came forward to participate, prayers, invitations and a football WhatsApp group all helped to pique interest and help the church once again become a light on the hill as a living and vibrant centre of Mackworth.
Revd Andy said: “The response we have received has been incredible.
"Guys from my barbers are coming this Wednesday for the first time.
"There is a guy who is getting married at St Francis next month that had no previous church background, a guy who got married in May and both him and his wife have completed the Alpha course (also no church background previously), and an atheist who has moved from Hong Kong.
"We have attracted several others to join that don't yet follow Jesus.
“It is building relationships within church and connecting with others locally.
"Two men who came to church for the first time on Sunday morning have signed up immediately.”
The football team numbers vary week to week, however most weeks they are playing seven-a-side.
They are all praying for fun and for lives to be transformed.
Learn more about St Francis Mackworth at stfmackworth.org or email hello@stfmackworth.org
Kay Duckett (Wingerworth) and Bernard Madden (Hathersage) recently joined the Archbishop of York to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Central Readers’ Council.
At the invitation of the archbishop and Rebecca Cottrell, representatives from the dioceses of England and Wales were invited to give thanks for Reader/Licensed Lay Ministry.
On the glorious sunny day, Archbishop Stephen shared his commitment and passion for lay ministry.
He gave thanks for licensed lay ministry, including that represented by Kay, Bernard and representatives of other dioceses.
We all celebrated how it has grown and evolved over the last 100 years. Archbishop Stephen even garnered a few very welcome smiles when recounting the responses he gets from prospective clergy when asked how they understand and plan to enable lay ministry.
He emphasized our calling from baptism to grow into the life of the church, before remarking on the importance of lay leadership in church life.
Advocating for creative, open and imaginative ministry he challenged those present to think about their own ministries and that of future generations so that we all continue to grow, adapt, and flourish.
Following a rather delicious afternoon tea, the Archbishop and Mrs Cottrell invited their guests to look around Bishopthorpe Palace and its grounds.
A much-needed moment of quiet along the Ouse gave ample opportunity to watch the fish and the birds – as well as a number of leisure boats – go past, before everyone gathered for evening prayer.
The day was a very welcome and very timely opportunity to reflect on the importance of lay ministry and the Diocese of Derby are delighted and proud to have been represented by Kay and Bernard.
Bishop Malcolm experiences church from a wheelchair user’s perspective
Have you ever considered what it’s like to go to church when you’re a wheelchair user?
Bishop Malcolm recently met Reader Lynda Herbert from the newly formed Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) at St Giles Church in Marston Montgomery where she is a regular worshipper.
His plan was to get an understanding of the challenges faced by wheelchair users, both leading worship and as a member of the congregation.
So, Bishop Malcolm became a wheelchair user for the duration of the meeting.
Bishop Malcolm said: “I was quite surprised by the number of challenges I faced while using a wheelchair.
“Slopes and steps are obvious barriers, but I also learned that it’s not always easy to get around inside churches due to tight corners.
“And using a wheelchair also means you only get one perspective of what’s going on – you can’t stand and sit like non-wheelchair users and sometimes the only place you can go is at the end of a pew. All this means that your view can be restricted.
"I am thankful to Lynda for inviting me to experience church in a new way.”
Lynda is a Reader in the Dove and Derwent and Carsington Deaneries, where she regularly leads services including morning prayer, evening prayer, family services and funerals. She said: “What I wanted to demonstrate was that even small (and often free!) changes that any church can make could greatly benefit disabled members of the local community and could increase service attendance.
Examples include removing a pew to allow more space for wheelchairs, utilising chairs where possible instead of pews – and even a simple change of language (e.g., saying “if you are able, please stand” rather than “please stand”) would help wheelchair users feel more included.”
The DIAG will be releasing more details in the weeks ahead to inform and support our churches and parishes.
If you would like to find out more about their work, or indeed to join the group and help to structure the pathway ahead, please contact Carl Veal at carl.v60@hotmail.com.
The Right Reverend Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, has ordained 15 new priests and eight new deacons in two special services at Derby Cathedral.
In the presence of the Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, the new deacons and priests took their vows, supported by family and friends in the congregations.
Bishop Malcolm said: "It has been a joy and a privilege to ordain the new priests and deacons in the Diocese of Derby.
"They are each called to serve the communities in which they are set and these are the next steps of a lifelong journey of nurturing themselves and others in faith.
"Please keep them in your prayers as God leads each of them in their ministry."
► In pictures: Ordination of Priests 2022 [Flickr]
► In pictures: Ordination of Deacons 2022 [Flickr]
Those ordained priests are:
- Rebecca Allpress to serve in the Benefice of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, the Benefice of Newhall and the Benefice of Gresley;
- Onyekachi Julius Anozie to serve in the Benefice of Kirk Hallam;
- Gillian Ball to serve in the Benefice of Old Brampton and Great Barlow, and Loundsley Green LEP;
- Rachel Burdett to serve in Benefice of Belper Christ Church with Turnditch, and the Benefice of Hazelwood, Holbrook and Milford;
- Samantha Dennis to serve in the Benefice of Sawley;
- John Ferguson to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Barnabas;
- Mike Fitzsimmons to serve in the Benefice of Barlborough and Clowne;
- Jeff Golding to serve in St Werburgh’s Derby Mission Initiative;
- Melanie Hartley to serve in the Benefice of Baslow and Eyam;
- Eleanor Launders-Brown to serve in the Benefice of East Scarsdale;
- James Lee to serve in the Benefice of Stanton by Dale with Dale Abbey and Risley;
- Christine Nowak to serve in the Benefice of Whitfield;
- Nick Parish to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Peter and Christ Church with Holy Trinity;
- Becky Reeve to serve in the Benefice of Walbrook Epiphany;
- Charlotte Wallington to serve in the Benefice of Hathersage with Bamford and Derwent, and Grindleford.
The eight new deacons are:
- Fiona Barber to serve in the Benefice of Sinfin Moor;
- Elliot George to serve in the Benefice of Dronfield with Holmesfield;
- Josephine Harbidge to serve in the Benefice of Walton St John;
- Samantha Mackie to serve in the Benefice of Swadlincote and Hartshorn, the Benefice of Newhall and the Benefice of Gresley;
- Fay Price to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Alkmund and St Werburgh;
- Rhiannon Singleton to serve in the Benefice of Holy Trinity, Dinting Vale, the Benefice of Charlesworth and Gamesley, the Benefice of Glossop, the Benefice of Hadfield and the Benefice of Whitfield;
- Lisa Taylor to serve in the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston;
- Catherine Watson to serve in the St Werburgh’s Derby Mission Initiative.
The ‘Seeing Creation’ exhibition was held on the 1-2 May 2022 at Hathersage Parish Church.
Inspired by creation it focused on six areas including textile creativity, visual arts,shaping with wood, caring for creation, children’s crafts and hospitality.
Here Bernard Madden from the organising team shares his reflection on the success of the event.
Textiles: From displaying existing and contemporary church and personal textiles to a busy table of lace making and cross-stitching workshops led by experienced hands, the area was abuzz with those trying out new skills.
Visual arts: Here we displayed how contemporary mainstream national artists capture aspects of the Christian faith; and about twenty local invited artists and photographers displayed their work.
It was heartening to see the creative talent all around us being shared with an appreciative audience.
Shaping with wood: This was hugely popular; under the careful instruction of a church member with his band fret saw, every age enjoyed having a go at cutting some creatureshape for themselves.
A lovely take-away!
Caring for creation: It was important to show how seriously we as a church take this.
Both A Rocha / Eco Church and local Climate Action Group enthusiasts were on hand to inform and encourage - and to give away something to plant!
Children’s crafts: Central in the church was a large table-top cardboard model reflecting our surrounding Hope Valley.
All ages enjoyed making a tree from a paper bag, decorating with colourful leaves and ‘planting’ it on the model and taking a scripture verse card. ‘The leavesare for the healing of the nations’.
Clay model-making proved popular with the children.
Our schoolchildren painted their self-portraits on paper plates strung overhead.
Hospitality: We ensured that Welcomers were always at the door and refreshments constantly available in the church (importantly, not in a separate room, and by donation rather than charge).
This proved to be ‘the glue’ in the event – binding each aspect together with opportunity to stay around, relax and chat. ‘Practice hospitality’ (1 Peter 4:9)!
Positive vibes
We had worked hard, transformed how the church looked - clearing away some of the flexible pews, hanging banners and displays – but were rewarded with much appreciation as well as good insights into how many ‘see church’.
One remarked: “This is how I remember church: being together and having space to chat and enjoy time here.”
Others: ‘Wonderful to visit such a vibrant and creative community.’
‘Lovely welcoming … What a fabulous use of church facilities.’
At the entrance were the words: ‘Jesus is Lord! Creation’s voice proclaims it!’
Yes, and the same Lord who made each of us gave us gifts for sharing and encouraging and testifying to all that He has given us.
As our vicar, Paul Moore, reminded us in our opening service: “Now get out and see all the wonder, beauty and glory of God all around us that He has so generously created”.
Bernard Madden and event team.
Archdeacons-designate Carol, Karen and Matthew will begin their new ministries when they are installed and collated in Derby Cathedral on Sunday, 12th June 2022 at 5.15pm.
All the clergy and laity of the diocese are warmly invited to attend.
- The Venerable Carol Coslett will become the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales
- The Revd Canon Karen Hamblin will become the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire
- The Revd Matthew Trick will become the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire
This service represents a key strategic moment in the life of our diocese as we develop from having two archdeaconries to three, enabling the greater support of parishes and other ministries.
Each of the new archdeacons will be collated by the Bishop to their new role and the Dean of Derby will place them in their stalls within the cathedral.
We very much hope you will be able to attend this service and support the archdeacons, bishop and the diocese as we embark on this new strategic way of working for the future.
Bishop Libby said: “I am very excited by the energy, experience, expertise and commitment the new archdeacons will bring to their roles.
“They are all passionate about ‘everyday faith’ and bring understanding of the complexities and opportunities of parish ministry, and of the opportunities and challenges in aspects of mission and ministry that are not parish specific.
“They also have the capacity to think and work on a wider canvas with flair and imagination and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity.
"I am looking forward to working with them as we commit ourselves to joining in with what God is doing in transforming lives through growing church and building community.
“Please keep Matthew, Karen and Carol in your prayers as they navigate their new roles and responsibilities.”
New archdeaconry areas
The three new archdeaconry areas will legally come into being on 6 June 2022 and have been shaped to reflect the significant missional contexts of our diocese, serving our rural, urban, and emerging post-industrial communities.
The shaping of the new archdeaconries better reflects the different demographic and cultural contexts of our diocese, but each is diverse and complex with a mixture of communities and experience.
The statutory responsibilities of the archdeacons will be delivered within their geographical boundaries, and, in addition, they will champion the demographic predominant in their respective archdeaconries across the whole diocese:
- The Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire includes our largest urban context, and Archdeacon-designate Matthew Trick will champion mission and ministry in all urban contexts across the whole
- The Archdeaconry of East Derbyshire encompasses many emerging and changing post-industrial communities, and Archdeacon-designate Karen Hamblin will champion mission and ministry in such contexts across the whole diocese
- The Archdeaconry of Derbyshire Peak and Dales is largely rural with market town communities, and the Venerable Carol Coslett (currently Archdeacon of Chesterfield) will champion mission and ministry in such contexts across the diocese.
Visitors to Derby Cathedral can now see ‘Peace Doves’, a large-scale art installation which will be on display until 12 June.
The installation was created by renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker and features more than 8,000 paper doves suspended on ribbons above the nave, accompanied by a tranquil soundscape from composer David Harper.
The paper doves have been decorated with messages of peace, hope and love – many of which have been created by members of local community and wellbeing groups who have joined workshops run by Derby community arts organisation Artcore, and the general public.
The mass participation community arts project has also involved schools across the city and county who have made their own Peace Dove displays with the support of Peter Walker’s education and arts team.
The exhibition opening will mark the start of a diverse events programme across the city with an array of free and ticketed events, workshops, talks and concerts.
The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: “The last major art installation in the Cathedral was ‘Museum of the Moon’ in autumn 2019 which drew thousands of visitors to the Cathedral and had such a positive impact on the neighbouring Cathedral Quarter and the wider city centre.
“We were keen to recreate the positivity and beauty that a major art installation brings to the magnificent space in the heart of Derby Cathedral and were delighted when we secured artist Peter Walker to bring ‘Peace Doves’ to the city.”
He continued that the messages behind Peace Doves were even more powerful in light of the continued crisis in Ukraine.
He said: “Our original driver for bringing ‘Peace Doves’ to Derby Cathedral was to create a unique piece which reflects the thoughts and feelings of local people from all faiths, ages and backgrounds following such a turbulent time for everyone during the pandemic.
“Now, with war continuing in Ukraine and the value that we all place on peace being uppermost in our minds, the messages behind Peace Doves have even greater poignancy.
“We look forward to welcoming people to the cathedral and we hope that visitors will encounter peace and the space to reflect on the past two years and the suffering that Ukrainian people are now experiencing.”
Peace Doves was first staged at Lichfield Cathedral in 2018 when it was designed to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.
It was also installed at Liverpool Cathedral in 2021 and attracted more than 150,000 visitors.
Peter Walker said: “I am delighted to bring Peace Doves to Derby Cathedral. Previous installations have been very well received and have created a prideful sense of community and togetherness.
"Sometimes, art has the ability to transcend just being an object and become the focus of our collective sentiments. That is the purpose of Peace Doves, which allows thousands of people to create, and express their own personal emotions as part of an ensemble which produces a beautiful final composition, and a series of smaller community works.
“It allows us not just see an artwork but to be part of it, to contemplate peace, as we think of those whose lives are so tragically affected by the many ordeals of life, from the tragic situation in Ukraine, and conflicts abroad to the many issues affecting people in this country, as well as those we love and who are close to us".
He added: “Nearly every message on the doves is not about one person, but about the community, the city, and the bigger picture. This artwork is designed really, by me, but it has been made by the people of Derby and Derbyshire.”
Peace Doves will be in place until 12th June 2022 and, throughout the exhibition, entry to the Cathedral will be free of charge although a suggested donation of £3 per person is requested which will go towards the care and work of Derby Cathedral helping to keep its doors open for all.
Booking is encouraged through Derby Cathedral’s Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/peace-doves-at-derby-cathedral-tickets-239993104837?aff=ebdsoporgprofile as entry will be restricted at certain times eg: during services, private events and concerts.
Peace Doves at Derby Cathedral is funded by Arts Council England, Westhill Endowment, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), Derby City Council and Foundation Derbyshire.
For more information about Peace Doves at Derby Cathedral please visit https://derbycathedral.org/peacedoves/
A series of reflections for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day.
Palm Sunday
What do we look for in a leader amidst the violence, anguish and confusion of our world today?
Physical strength, smooth talking, intelligence or the common touch?
Or would we welcome anyone who might make things a little better?
Perhaps this is how it was for the crowds of Jewish pilgrims who travelled the difficult desert road up from Jericho to Jerusalem, shortly before Passover so many years ago.
From the top of the Mount of Olives, they would have gained their first glimpse of the ‘City of Peace’.
Thankfulness and awe would have welled up from deep in their hearts as they began to sing the great pilgrim psalms of praise and victory.
Then suddenly a man appeared amongst them on the road.
Some said he was a wise teacher from Galilee in the north, a miracle-worker and healer; some said he was the Messiah, a long-awaited liberator who would drive out the Romans and make Israel great again.
Others claimed he was a peace-maker, riding a young donkey in fulfilment of ancient prophecies.
Some said he was Jesus, the one who saves.
Crowds hacked palm branches from the trees, waving and crying out in welcome.
Some spread their cloaks on the road for him to ride over. Excitement mounted. What was going to happen?
Hopes were soon dashed. This was no glorious liberation or victory.
Apparently the man was just another trouble-maker with no respect for Law or Temple.
A quick arrest and trial; another miserable cross on Golgotha…
End of story - or was it?
Who was this Jesus? Many today are still asking the same question, drawn by his compelling journey to the cross - and beyond.
Perhaps here is a leader we can follow?
April McIntyre
Derby Cathedral Café Writers’ Group
St. Michael’s Church, Breaston
Maundy Thursday
As Christians, on Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus ‘new commandment’ to love one another as he has loved us, and we commemorate the institution of the Lord's supper.
Additionally in some churches on Maundy Thursday, in memory of Christ’s action at the Last Supper, foot washing takes place.
I’ve been reflecting on John’s recounting of Peter’s reaction to Jesus approaching him to wash his feet, what it says about him, and the example he presents to us.
Because I sometimes wonder if Peter gets a bad press – often he’s thought of as someone who speaks hastily, without really thinking about what he is saying.
But I often reflect that even in those moments of speaking hastily he reveals a heart that, though it may not always have understood, revered and deeply loved Jesus.
And the same is true in this instance.
Foot washing was the job of the lowliest person in the room.
So naturally for Peter the idea of Jesus undertaking this role would be unthinkable - Jesus was his Lord, not his servant. So he argues.
But when Jesus replies that the alternative is for Peter to have no share with him, Peter immediately wants to be completely washed by Jesus - not just his feet.
His love and strength of desire for relationship with Christ shine through his reply.
Though he perhaps didn’t realise it at the time, Peter desired what was accomplished on the cross. A complete washing away of his sin.
Foot washing is an intimate action.
It is possible to feel quite vulnerable when someone washes your feet.
And I wonder what my reaction would be if Christ had approached me as he approached Peter that day.
I hope that it would resemble the strength of honour and love that Peter showed: ‘Lord, not my feet only…’
Charlotte Wallington
Curate
Benefice of Hathersage, Bamford with Derwent, and Grindleford
Good Friday
What do we do when our prayers have gone unanswered, our hopes have been left hanging and our dreams are dry and withering?
Jesus’ disciples had to face this very challenge on the day that they saw their saviour hanging on a cross dying.
He was supposed to save them.
He was supposed to set them free.
He was supposed to fulfill the promise long waited for.
They had given up everything to follow him because they believed that he was the one.
He had healed, spoken and loved like no man they had ever seen.
And hadn’t they seen him stand alongside Elijah and Moses? Robed in white as though heaven was touching earth?
How could they have fallen so far in such a short space of time?
How could things have gone so wrong?
The thing is… they couldn’t have known the hope that was embedded in the cross.
They couldn’t have known the healing that this one action would release.
They had no clue that this moment of incredible loss would lead to freedom for all creation.
They just needed to look beyond their moment to see that God had a larger salvation than they could have possibly imagined.
They needed to see past their own lives to see that their land, their people weren’t the only ones that needed to be set free.
They needed to extend their vision to see that promises are always fulfilled… in God’s time.
But it is hard, and we are tired.
When our prayers go unanswered, we can become so transfixed in this moment that we forget to remember that God is eternal. We can hang all our hopes on such fragile things, forgetting that God holds the whole universe in his hands, and we can trust him to hold our lives there too.
And, when our dreams die, as they sometimes do. We forget to ask God to give us new dreams. Dreams bigger than this moment, bigger than our own land our own ‘world’. Dreams that will go beyond our time and reach into eternity.
Good Friday is good because it isn’t the end.
Let us hold on to the hope that wherever we are in this moment, it isn’t the end but the beginning.
Debbie Patrick
Reader - Swadlincote and Hartshorne
Gresley and Newhall
Easter Day
The experience of the past two years of Covid, and now of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, causing terrible suffering there and repercussions for people across the globe, have changed the atmosphere of our lives and of our time.
It is harder for people to be optimistic.
People are tired, anxious, and fearful.
On the positive side, there is much kindness and sympathy for those at the sharp end.
Offers of hospitality to refugees, donations given and sent – all this follows hard on the heels of the dedication of so many key workers, so much appreciated in the thick of the pandemic.
If we are to win through in these times, it will be because of love.
In 1930 Russian communist leader Nikolai Ivanovich Bukharin, one of the most feared and powerful men of his time, travelled from Moscow to Kyiv to promote the atheist teaching of his party.
Speaking to a large crowd he heaped as many insults as he could upon the Church and the Christian faith.
He appealed to the people of Kyiv to reject Christ, and embrace atheism.
At the end of the meeting the local parish priest stood and calmly dismissed the crowd with the usual Orthodox easter greeting - Christ is Risen!
The crowd thundered back in response – ‘He is risen indeed – Alleluia!’
Russian Orthodox have looked to Kyiv as the origin of their faith, since in 988AD Vladimir the Great, whose sculpture stands outside the Kremlin, was baptised there, leading to the majority of the Russian and Slavic peoples turning to Christ.
Jesus wept for Jerusalem.
I am sure he has wept for Kyiv.
At this new turning point, perhaps, in world history, we must look to Jesus who by the cross faced down the powers of darkness, violence and evil, suffering apparent defeat, before rising to victory, ‘disarming the principalities and powers’. (Colossians 2.15)
How did he do this?
By faithfulness to God, by humble service, by costly self sacrifice, by love.
Our thoughts this Easter must be with those traumatised by violence and evil, and our faith, hope, and love turned into prayer and action that can change the world.
Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us.
Love wins.
Malcolm Macnaughton
Bishop of Repton
Christ Church, Hulland has received a Bronze Eco Church award after 12 months of work.
The award entailed working through the online survey of environmentally friendly actions in five areas: worship, church building, land, community & global engagement and lifestyle.
They chose actions that were suitable for their church and didn’t require financial outlay. Four of the initiatives carried out included:
- A collection point in the church porch for empty medication blister packs. The packs are taken for recycling instead of ending up in land fill. The money raised is donated to Marie Curie. This has proven so popular that people from the village are engaged and visiting the church which strengthens the diocese vision to build communities.
- Displaying notices by the benches in the churchyard to encourage people to use the churchyard for peaceful contemplation.
- Registering as a Fairtrade church, meaning they use fairly traded products where possible and promote Fairtrade. A community event was held over Fairtrade Fortnight with Fairtrade stalls and publications, as well as showcasing village community groups. Eco-friendly activities were provided for children and an eco-quiz produced food for thought for adults. Money was raised both for Tearfund to tackle issues resulting from climate change and the DEC Ukraine appeal.
- The Christ Church weekly newsletter always contains an eco-tip.
Penny Northall, Eco Church lead and PCC member of Christ Church, Hulland, said: “I would like to thank our Rector, Revd Phil Michell, and the PCC for being so supportive in this eco-church endeavour.
"We are excited to now be working towards a silver award.”
Stella Collishaw, Community Action Officer at the Diocese of Derby, said: “I am so pleased that Christ Church Hulland has engaged in the Eco Church scheme, and we are making progress as a diocese even in anxious times.
"This parish has brought people of all ages from the local community on board.
"It is helpful to know that they have tackled it from their own starting point, building on what they already do: mission giving, recycling and activities for children.
"It is so fabulous to see them taking on this challenge.
"If anyone needs encouragement to join in, take heart from this example, and be in touch with me for help if you need it.”
