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:

Are you raising money for projects to help you cut your carbon footprint?

You could access a matched grant of up to £10k

Give To Go Green is a match-funding project from the Church of England helping you double your locally raised donations for carbon-cutting projects.

The scheme is available only in certain dioceses, including the Diocese of Derby!

Through a targeted digital fundraising campaign you will be able to engage your community in building a sustainable future for your church and the world around you.

Applications have re-opened with the following timetable:

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Funding is available for churches that want to carry out small to medium sized projects that will reduce their carbon footprint and cost between £5,000 - £20,000.

Churches can access a matched grant of up to £10k towards their project if they can raise the same amount through digital giving (through Give A Little) during a targeted six-week campaign in the autumn.

Ideally, this should cover the total cost of the project so you can get straight on with implementing it after you receive your grant.

>> Start by downloading the application pack

What can be funded?

• Carbon-cutting projects in churches and church halls.
• Eligible measures from the Practical Path to Net Zero.
• Eg: quick win projects to improve heating efficiency, fixing broken windows, heated seat cushions, solar PV (if you’ve done other efficiency measures), insulation, electrical upgrades, LED lights, pew heaters, draught proofing etc. A list of eligible measures can also be found in the Project Pack
• Other measures not on the list can be considered, if it has been recommended for your church to reduce energy and carbon.

Please note if your project will require a faculty or planning permission it will be very challenging to complete this in the required time. Please speak to the DAC office as early as possible to find out what permissions you will need.

What do you need to do?

1. Read the Project Application Pack to find out whether your project could be eligible.
2. Set up a small project team, and set up a Give A Little account if you don’t have one.
3. Think about your project, ideally you’ll need to get three quotes – but if you have a good project and only estimated costs please consider applying.
4. Complete the Energy Footprint Tool (see page 8 of the application pack)
5. Submit your application by the 16 March 2025.
6. If accepted, attend the onboarding webinars and plan your fundraising campaigns.
7. Run your fundraising campaign between 17 May - 28 September 2025.
8. Deliver your project and spend the grant within 12 months of receiving it.

Apply here

>> Use this link to access the Diocese of Derby application form (opens in a new window)

>> Read the Give to Go Green Privacy Policy which relates to the data collection of these forms.

>> If you need it, you can download a Sample Application Form for reference.

Modern Slavery briefing is an optional session looking at national and local statistics and the issues around modern slavery.

This course will explore what it may look like, the most common forms of modern slavery, and what to do if you have a concern.

This course should be done as a national e-learning course available online via the Church of England Training Portal, which takes about 60 minutes to complete. If you have difficulties logging on or sharing an e-mail address with someone else who also uses the portal please contact the administrators by e-mail following the link on their Portal. This is managed nationally and we are unable to help. 

No Zoom courses planned at present.

If you feel you may be affected by the contents of any safeguarding training and would like to discuss an exemption for a specific training course please contact Sue Griffin sue.griffin@derby.anglican.org our Victim and Survivor Lead, or Lisa Marriott lisa.marriott@derby.anglican.org our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for a confidential discussion.

This is an update regarding DBS checks for PCC members and churchwardens (ex officio PCC members), because guidance has recently changed.

Whether PCC members and churchwardens are entitled to an enhanced DBS check is dependent on the nature of the arrangements in the particular church body - requirements will therefore vary across different parishes and churches.

Being a member of a PCC does not automatically mean that the DBS threshold for an enhanced DBS check is met, unless the parish conducts work with children or vulnerable adults. This is because an enhanced DBS check without barred list check can only be applied for if the PCC itself qualifies as a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, or if an individual PCC member is undertaking work with children or vulnerable adults.

Therefore, if your parish does NOT do any work with children and/or vulnerable adults, your PCC members do NOT need an enhanced DBS check. If you wish to carry out a DBS check, that will be limited to a Basic check at the cost to the parish of £22.79 each (correct as at 15 May 2024).

If your parish DOES do any work with children and/or vulnerable adults, your PCC members should have an enhanced volunteer DBS check (without barred list), in their capacity of trustee. The Charity Commission states that 'whenever there is a legal entitlement to obtain a DBS check in respect of such a trustee, a check should be carried out'. The PCC member does not need to work with children or vulnerable adults themselves tobe eligible for this check - they are being checked because of the work of the charity.

Please note:

Churchwardens are ex officio members of the PCC, so where the PCC qualifies as a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, then the churchwardens, along with the other members of the PCC as trustees of a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, should also have an enhanced volunteers DBS check without barred list check.

30 May

The Revd Katrina Jenkins will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Matlock, St Giles and Dethick Lea and Holloway, Diocese of Derby, on Saturday, 13 July 2024 at 2pm at St Giles Matlock by the Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.

The Revd Lisa Price will start in the post as Assistant Curate of Hope, Castleton and Bradwell, Diocese of Derby, on Saturday, 29 June 2024, the day of her priesting at Derby Cathedral.

23 May

The Revd Claire Mitchell, who holds the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, has been appointed Assistant Curate of Amington, Diocese of Birmingham.

The Revd Nicholas Radford-Powell, Assistant Curate in the Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, will transfer his curacy and become Assistant Curate in the Wirksworth Team Ministry within the same diocese. Nicholas will start in his new post on Saturday, 29 June 2024, the day of his priesting at Derby Cathedral.

16 May

The Revd Elizabeth (Liz) England, Rector of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Incumbent of the Rural Daneside parishes, Diocese of Chester.

The Venerable Matthew Trick will be collated as Canon Residentiary at Derby Cathedral, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday 2nd June at 5.15 pm by the Bishop of Derby and installed by the Dean of Derby (amended 23 May)

The Revd Alan Winfield will be licensed as Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton-by-Bridge and Ticknall, Diocese of Derby, on Monday 17th June at 2 pm at Repton House by the Bishop of Repton. 

9 May 

The Revd Stephen Monk, Rector of Darley, South Darley and Winster, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Matlock Bath and Cromford in the same diocese. Stephen was licensed on Sunday 5th May 2024 by the Bishop of Repton at Holy Trinity Matlock Bath.

The Revd Anne Stratton, Vicar of Belper St Peter, Diocese of Derby, has announced her retirement. Anne’s last day in post will be 11th October with her retirement taking effect from 12th October 2024.

Part-time permanent stipendiary role

These rural parishes lie on the edge of the City of Derby giving easy access to beautiful rural Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District but also within 15 minutes drive of vibrant city life.

What is the Diocesan Synod?

The Diocesan Synod is the largest and most representative governing body in a diocese and operates at the highest level of overview.

It contributes to setting direction by acting as a sounding board and forum for debate and giving higher level approval.

The Diocesan Synod brings together elected clergy and lay representatives from our parishes within the diocese's eight deaneries.

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, is the Diocesan Synod president.

The term of office of the current Diocesan Synod ends on 31 July 2027, therefore the Diocese of Derby will be required to elect a new Diocesan Synod from among its clergy and laity, starting in April 2027.

Here's what you need to know about the election process

Diocesan Synod elections resources

>> Synod Elections article for Parish News Pew Sheets

>> Diocesan Synod 2024 Flyer Final

>> Diocesan Synod Elections Poster Final

>> Diocesan Synod Elections colour advert - version 1 jpeg

>> Diocesan Synod Elections colour advert - version 2 jpeg

>> Download this video for website and screens [MP4 - HD 1080p]

>> Download this video for social media [square MP4 - HD 720p]

>> Download this video for websites and screens [MP4 - HD 1080p]

>> Download this video for social media [square MP4 - HD 720p]

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.

Growing Faith in Churches – Youth Ministry Resources

The wording around the national aim to grow and nurture active young disciples is important. As we strive to develop youth ministry across the diocese, this is about more than numbers in a room, or ticking a box for those who have responded to an altar call, but rather we are about making space for faith to grow and life-long faith journeys to be begun.

As Strategic Lead for Youth Ministry, Rev. Aidan Watson is here to support youth workers, both paid and volunteer, across the diocese. Please get in touch by emailing aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

 Emotional and mental health resources

For those who have been affected by the recent TV series 'Adolescence', our colleagues at the Diocese of Leeds have collated some useful resources for young people, leaders, and parents to help form positive discussion around mental health and wellbeing.
Find them here.

Below are a series of links for starting, developing and growing youth ministry in your church.

Confirmation Resources

Our colleagues at the Bath and Wells and Bristol Diocese have produced some excellent downloadable confirmation resources. If you have a young person or a group of young people you are preparing for confirmation and would like to use this resource, then click here to have a look and download your own version.

Youthscape Podcast

A fantastic resource for any Christian working with young people, the youthscape podcast has several years-worth of episodes covering a range of areas so there will be plenty for your context to learn. Find on any major podcast platform or here https://www.youthscape.co.uk/podcast

Youthwork Resources

Various fantastic organisations exist to support churches in running activities for young people with varying levels of faith involvement. Some of our recommendations include:-

Youthscape – originally working Luton, YS now has a national focus and is leading the way in research and innovation for Christian youthwork - https://www.youthscape.co.uk/

Scripture Union – in addition to their decades of church based youth and children’s resources, they are focussing most of their work resourcing churches to reach the 95% of children and young people nationally who have no connection with church - https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resources-activities

The RSCM – for more traditional contexts church choirs can provide a way of engaging with young people, including developing them as young leaders. https://www.rscm.org.uk/learn-with-us/

Urban Saints Energize - Thousands of engaging and adaptable biblical sessions, training articles and support resources - https://www.urbansaints.org/what-we-do/online-resources

Living Out Love – a youth group resource

Our colleagues in Birmingham diocese have created a series of short films to help young people think through issues of sexuality, gender, relationships, and justice based on the six pastoral principles which are:

• Acknowledging Prejudice
• Speaking into silence
• Addressing ignorance
• Casting out fear
• Admitting hypocrisy
• Paying attention to power

They come in two versions a 30 min and 60 min versions, they can be used all together or as stand-alone sessions. To download your free copy click here.

Bishop’s Youth Council

The Bishop’s Youth Council exists to hear the voices of young people in the decision-making processes of the diocese. It is made up of 16-25 year olds across the diocese and is invited to feed recommendations into Bishop’s council and Diocesan Synod. The council is overseen by Ben Martin (Lay Pioneer and Bishop’s Council Member) and Rev. Aidan Watson (Strategic Youth Lead). As well as having their voices heard, members are invested in as young leaders in the church.

If you or a young person you know are interested in hearing more about youth council then email aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

Local partners

Valley Cids - an independent Christian charity based in Derbyshire, committed to serving children, young people and families through out-reach work in schools and the wider community. https://www.valleycids.co.uk/

The Peak Centre – A Christian-run activity centre in the Peak district that gives preference to young people - https://www.peakcentre.org.uk/

Training

As a diocese we seek to facilitate training of youth leaders, both paid and volunteer. We are keen to invest in potential youth leaders. For training opportunities and events click here

Alternatively, members of the diocesan staff are ordained/licensed lay readers and can come preach/speak to churches/PCCs about the place of youth ministry in the church. If you would like to do a training day with your volunteer team(s) or to discuss options, then contact aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

Networking with other churches

Across the diocese we are setting up or supporting regional networks of paid/volunteer youth workers. If this would interest you then email aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

We also work with Missional Church Youth Network – an organisation seeking to enable local schools, churches and community projects to work together to reimagine church with young people. They facilitate a Learning Community in order that youth leaders and volunteers can come together for training, encouragement, prayer and support as they build for the future. https://www.mycn.org.uk/

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.