Items filtered by date: June 2025

Many churches across the country get involved in Thy Kingdom Come by holding an event linked to prayer and mission during the period between Ascension and Pentecost.

It might take the form of 24-7 prayer, virtual prayer meetings, or a Thy Kingdom Come-themed service on Pentecost Sunday, for example.

If you're planning a TKC event, be sure to gester it here: https://www.thykingdomcome.global/list-your-event

Around the Diocese

How will your church get involved?

Thy Kingdom Come is about helping churches to do what we are called to do by God - to pray for our communities and those in them to hear, experience and receive the Good News of Jesus.

Churches can get involved however they want, in any way that works for them.

See also: All about Thy Kingdom Come | #candleofhope | TKC resources 

Three long-serving and dedicated members of the diocesan community have received Maundy money at this year's presentation, held at York Minster.

Canon Jack Cooper and Val Grahl were nominated for the honour by Bishop Libby.

It was the such service since the King's accession to the throne

Canon Jack, from Hathersage, is a PCC member, serves on Peak Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council.

Val Grahl is a lay member of Chapter at Derby Cathedral, has served as co-chair of the Community Committee and is currently Interim Chair of the Cathedral Council.

They were joined at the service by Joan Plant, from Eyam, who was nominated by Buckingham Palace.

Joan has been churchwarden at Eyam St Lawrence and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.

Special memories

Describing the occasion, Val Grahl said: "It was a very, very special day.

"King Charles presented me with the two purses, one red and one white, and held my hand and said how pleased he was to be able to give them to me.

"I simply replied, 'thank you, Your Majesty' as there was no time for a conversation, but it left me with a feeling of awe and sheer privilege to have received it from the King."

In the white purse were seven sets of silver 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p coins and an additional 4p coin - totalling 74p and signifying the King's age.

The red purse contained a silver 50 pence piece with the King's head and a depiction of the Windrush Generation, and a silver £5 coin embossed with the King's head and the number 75 to signify his next birthday.

There were about 2000 people in York Minster and they were treated to some 'wonderful organ music' before the service began, including works from Handel, Mendelssohn, Bairstow and Franck. 

"The service itself began with a fanfare," said Val. "And then 2000 people singing Praise to the Holiest sent a shiver down my spine!

"The organisation was superb - so smooth - and there were people on hand to help with everything.

"I will never forget the special feeling of being in the Minster with the King and all those people."

In total, 74 men and 74 women received Maundy money, one for each year of the King's age.

Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.

The recipients are traditionally older members of society, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.

Christ Church, Hulland has been awarded a silver Eco Church award. Below are a few of the main initiatives undertaken in the five areas of church life that helped them achieve the award. 

Worship

• Worship leaders followed the Green Lectionary during Creationtide. 
• Messy Church Goes Wild had an outdoors nature scavenger hunt and an indoor session reflecting on creation.
• In Great Big Green Week, we presented ‘What is Eco Church?’ to our Mothers’ Union branch, followed by an eco- quiz.

The Church building 

• We calculated the carbon footprint of our church in 2022 and agreed to attempt yearly improvements in energy efficiency. 
• We continued with a recycling collection point for medication blister packs in the porch. 

The Churchyard

• We had a ‘Churches Count on Nature’ event in June –see photo. Interested members of the church & community surveyed the churchyard on 2 occasions. We identified 110 species of plants and animals. Our records were sent to the National Biodiversity database.
• We installed a 3rd bird box and 2 bird feeders.
• We continued to manage the Conservation Area for nature as well as people.

Lifestyle

• Our church email and weekly Pews News regularly included items relating to caring for God’s earth and eco-tips towards a sustainable lifestyle.
• We had a Jigsaw Swap Sunday to facilitate re-use of puzzles.

Community and global engagement 

• Letters, endorsed by the PCC, were written to our MP and County Councillor asking them to address nature loss and climate change as a priority in their recommendations and decision making. 
• We continued to be a Fairtrade church.
• We twinned our toilet with one in Malawi through the Tear Fund scheme.
• We encouraged another church in our Benefice to get started with Eco Church

Penny Northall, Eco-church lead and PCC member said: “I would like to thank our Rector, Rev. Phil Michell, other worship leaders and the PCC for being so supportive in this eco-church endeavour. We are now working towards a gold award.”

Diocese of Derby 2023 Budget [PDF]

28 April

The Revd Peter Barham, Vicar of Allestree St Edmund and Darley Abbey St Matthew and Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Peter’s last day in post will be Sunday, 30 April 2023 with his retirement taking effect from Monday, 1 May 2023.

27 April

13 April

The Revd Cliff Warner, NSM of Swanwick and Pentrich (Derby) 1979-1988, NSM of Allestree St Edmund 1988-1998, who retired in 1998 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate in retirement, died on Sunday, 2 April 2023. The funeral will take place on Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 11.15am at St Edmund’s Allestree.

6 April

Sarah Brown, Diocesan Children’s Adviser, Diocese of Derby, has decided to leave her role after 11 years in post. Sarah’s last day in post was Friday, 31 March 2023.

Hannah Hogg, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed National Safeguarding Officer for Swim England. Hannah’s last day in post will be Friday, 30 June 2023. Arrangements regarding cover for this role will be announced in due course.

The Revd Neil Barber will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Sinfin St Stephen, and the Revd Will Eley will be licensed as Assistant Curate (known as Associate Minister) of Normanton-by-Derby and of Sinfin St Stephen, Diocese of Derby, on Monday, 24 April at 7pm at St Stephen’s Sinfin by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire.

Joan Plant, from Eyam, has been revealed as one of the recipients of Maundy money at York Minister on 6 April.

And she said she "cried for a full half-hour" when, in February, she received her letter from Buckingham Palace inviting her to receive it.

She said: "My husband had gone down to make breakfast when the postman came.

"He brought the letter upstairs and said 'I think you'd better open this!'

"When I saw it had the Royal stamp on it I just looked at it for a few minutes, wondering what it was all about - and also thinking that the postman would be wondering what I'm doing!

"It was a big surprise and I just felt so humbled.

"I'm just a small person in a small village and I feel really honoured to be able to receive [the Maundy money].

"I'm not receiving it just for me, but taking the whole village with me, in my mind."

Joan has lived in Eyam - often known as the Plague Village - all her life.

She has been churchwarden and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.

>> Parish spotlight: Eyam St Lawrence

>> Eyam recreated in fruit cake

The Revd Mike Gilbert, Rector of Eyam, expressed his delight for Joan. 

He said: "I can't think of a better person to get it - she is pretty much 'Mrs Eyam'!

"Joan has been a long and faithful servant, not only to the church but also to the village and she is known, loved and respected by everyone here."

The King and Queen Consort will distribute the Maundy money at York Minster in the first such service since the death of Queen Elizabeth.

There will be 74 recipients, one for each year of the King's age.

Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.

The recipients are traditionally elderly people, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.

The Spring 2023 Safeguarding Newsletter has just been sent to all Parish Safeguarding Officers. If you do not receive a copy and would like to read more about the work happening in Safeguarding in the diocese and a little more about one of the safeguarding team you can download the newsletter here.

St Philip's Church in Chaddesden, Derby, has seen a growth in both community and congregation, thanks to its year-old café and support groups.

The church has positioned itself as a community facility and partnered with Derby County Community Trust and others to provide not only affordable meals, but also mental health groups for men, a dads' network, debt counselling and much more.

The Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister for St Philip's, said: "What I kept hearing was 'weve got no pub, we've got no café, we've got no community space'. 

"So I looked at this space and thought, well, why not?"

Following a period of planning and finding funding, the venture eventually got off the ground - initially on two days a week.

Now the church building is also a thriving community hub.

Revd Sarah said: "Many places have mum's groups available, but we have men's groups, a men's mental health group so to have a space for dads to come to is great.

"Having said that, a menopause group is also on the cards.

"We have craft groups, a fibromyalgia group and a debt clinic. The café is used by walking groups and a bowling group too.

"So I've told the community that we have an amazing space, and asked how can we facilitate this being a space that is here for the whole parish?"

Engaging with the community has also seen congregation numbers increase.

Some of those visiting now also go to Sunday services, and the Christmas Carol service saw more than 70 people go along - more than treble the previous year.

>> Find out more about St Philip's Chaddesden.

Tea and Toast is a ministry that has been set up at Holy Trinity Dinting Vale.

This fantastic ministry is engaging with young people in the community from local secondary schools, and in partnership with other churches they are seeking to be good news for young people.

To find out more visit http://www.dintingchurch.org.uk/

To find out more about Growing Faith and the Diocese of Derby's work to support youth and children's ministry across churches, schools and households visit http://www.derby.anglican.org/youngpeople

Watch the video

30 March

The Revd Rhoda Blackwell will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Newbold, Diocese of Derby, on Wednesday, 28 June 2023 at 7.30pm at St John the Evangelist Newbold, by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.

Lisa Hall, PA to Bishop Malcolm, the Bishop of Repton, has resigned her post. We wish Lisa success in her future endeavours. Please hold Lisa in your prayers.

23 March

The Revd Neil Barber will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Sinfin St Stephen, Diocese of Derby, on Monday 24th April at 7.30 pm at St Stephen’s Sinfin by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire. The Revd Will Eley will be licensed as Assistant Curate (known as Associate Minister) of Normanton-by-Derby and of Sinfin St Stephen, Diocese of Derby, during the same service. 

The Revd Neil Griffiths will be collated as Rector of the Wirksworth Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, on Thursday 25th May at 7.30 pm at St Mary’s Wirksworth by the Bishop of Derby and inducted by the Acting Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales. 

16 March 2023

A service of thanksgiving for the life of the Revd Tom Comley will be held on Friday, 14 April 2023 at 2.30 pm in Loundsley Green Church (LEP).

The Revd Rhoda Blackwell, Assistant Curate of Newbold, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the same benefice.

Ms Stella Collishaw, Diocesan Community Action Officer and Diocesan Environment Officer, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Independent Living Coordinator at an Almshouse Complex in Beeston, Nottingham. Stella’s last day in post will be Thursday, 16 March 2023. During the interim please contact Amanda Shreeve: Amanda.Shreeve@derby.anglican.org.

The Revd Mel Hartley, Assistant Curate of Baslow and Eyam, has also been appointed Acting Bishop’s Advisor for Spirituality from Wednesday, 1 March 2023 until Thursday, 31 August 2023.

The Revd Jacqueline Stober, Priest in Charge of Kirk Langley and Mackworth and of Mugginton and Kedleston, and Area Dean for Dove and Derwent Deanery, has been appointed Senior Associate Priest of the parish of Christ Church Cathedral Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

The Venerable Lee Townend will be instituted as Rector of the Dronfield with Holmesfield Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, on Thursday, 11 May 2023 at 7.30 pm at St John the Baptist Dronfield by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.

9 March 2023

The Revd Tom Comley, Curate of Leadgate St Ives (Diocese of Durham) 1964-1967, Curate of Shirley St James (Diocese of Birmingham) 1967-1971, Vicar of Smethwick St Alban 1971-1976, Permission to Officiate 1976-1982, Vicar of North Wembley St Cuthbert (Diocese of London) 1982-1992, Vicar of Taddington, Chelmorton and Flagg, and Monyash (Diocese of Derby) 1992-2001, who retired in 2001 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, died on Thursday, 2 March 2023. Funeral details will follow.

Bishop Libby is pleased to announce that the Venerable Carol Coslett will be appointed Archdeacon Emeritus from Saturday, 1 April 2023. 

The Revd Neil Griffiths, Rector of the Colsterworth Group of Churches, Diocese of Lincoln, has been appointed Rector of the Wirksworth Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby.

The Revd Jason Kennedy, Diocesan Missioner, Diocese of Derby, has announced his resignation. Jason’s last working day will be Thursday, 6 April, with his resignation taking effect from Thursday, 20 April 2023. Jason will continue in post as Assistant Curate (SSM - Associate Priest) of Littleover after his resignation. 

The Revd Dawn Knight will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Cotmanhay and Shipley, Diocese of Derby, on Wednesday, 10 May at 7.30 pm at Christ Church Cotmanhay and Shipley by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire. 

The Revd Nicola McNally will be licensed as interim part-time Priest-in-Charge of ‘The Peak Five’ Benefice (comprising Fenny Bentley, Thorpe, Tissington, Parwich and Alsop-en-le-Dale) and interim part-time Assistant Curate (known as Associate Priest) for Carsington Deanery, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday, 23 July 2023 at 2 pm at St Peter’s Parwich by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Acting Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales. 

The Venerable Lee Townend, until recently Archdeacon of Carlisle, Diocese of Carlisle, has, with the Lord Chancellor’s approval, been appointed Rector of the Dronfield with Holmesfield Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby.