Items filtered by date: June 2025
A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the ministry of the Venerable Carol Coslett, Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, will take place on Saturday, 11 February 2023 at 3 pm at St John’s Buxton.
This will be an opportunity to say farewell as Carol leaves for her new post in the Diocese of Southwark.
Several choirs will be participating and offering different musical contributions during the service.
Archdeacon Carol would love you to come and join the choir to sing at her Farewell Service.
There will be a rehearsak in church at 1.30 pm with the service taking place at 3 pm.
If you are interested, please email Archdeacon Carol or Michael Williams by Monday, 30 January 2022 indicating with your contact number, whether you are Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass, and brief details of your choral experience.
Contact Archdeacon Carol at Carol.coslett@derby.anglican.org
Contact Michael Williams at mwilliams@bemerton.co.uk
With New Year resolutions all done with for another year, now could be the perfect time to start a community choir!
But where to start? What should you know before taking on this venture?
The Revd Dwayne Engh, Ordained Ministries Development Officer for the Diocese of Derby, has the answers and is sharing his knowledge in his book “Starting a Community Choir: Using Music in Outreach and Mission” which has been published by Grove Publishing.
Dwayne has been blessed to work around the world as a composer, conductor, percussionist, and educator.
The book covers both practical steps to take and some theological underpinnings of using music as an evangelistic outreach tool.
Throughout our history, the church has used the potential of music and art to be propositional, conveying both theological and devotional meaning.
Singing sacred (including both traditional and contemporary worship) music allows people to connect with God and be led to Christ while they explore their spiritual questions in a non-threatening environment.
Dwayne said, “I’m really pleased to have published this small Grove book – as well as to be able to combine my passion of music from my previous roles as conductor, composer and percussionist with my current roles as a priest and Ordained Ministries Development Officer, doing mission by loving people into God's kingdom. I hope the book helps churches and communities see how easy it is to start a community choir and encourages them to ‘give it a go’. (And, of course, to encourage them to buy as many dozens of copies of the book as they would like)!”
27 January 2023
The Bishop of Derby has announced the new Diocesan Secretary will be Will Hagger, who is currently Director of Housing and Investment Property in the Diocese of London.
Will brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked for the London Diocesan Fund for eight years. He is a chartered surveyor and has previously worked for property fund management business, Newcore Capital.
Will said: “I am really excited by the opportunities and challenges that my new role in Derby will present, both professionally and personally. Whilst I will be sad to leave the Diocese of London, I am looking forward to getting acquainted with the Diocese of Derby and the whole of Derbyshire.”
On announcing the appointment, Bishop Libby said: “I know you will join me in warmly welcoming Will to the Diocese of Derby. He will be a great asset to the diocese and in leading DBF colleagues from Church House. Please keep him and his family in your prayers as they prepare to move, and through all their transitions.”
Will’s first day with us will be 1st May 2023.
26 January 2023
The Revd Neil Barber, Vicar of Normanton-by-Derby, has also been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Sinfin St Stephen in the same diocese.
The Revd Will Eley, Assistant Curate of Normanton-by-Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (known as Associate Minister) of Normanton-by-Derby and of Sinfin St Stephen.
The Revd Lynn Hayler, Team Vicar in the North Wingfield Team Ministry, has announced her resignation. Lynn’s last day in post will be Sunday, 30 April 2023.
12 January 2023
The Revd Jenny Simpson, Assistant Curate of the St Werburgh’s Derby Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO), Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (known as Associate Minister) of the same BMO.
6 January 2023
The Revd Stuart Baxter, Curate of Kirby (Diocese of Liverpool) 1970-1973, Curate of Ainsdale 1973-1976, worker for the Church Mission Society, including time in Sierre Leone 1976-1984, Vicar of Nelson in Little Marsden (Diocese of Blackburn) 1984-1992, Vicar of Lostock Hall (1992-1999), Priest-in-Charge of Hatton (Diocese of Derby) 1999-2004, Assistant Chaplain of HMP Sudbury 1999-2003, Assistant Chaplain of HMP Foston Hall 2003-2006, who retired in 2006 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, died on Saturday, 31 December 2022.
The funeral will take place on Friday, 13 January 2023 at 12.30 pm at St Peter’s Belper.
5 January 2023
The Revd Trevor Beedell, Curate of Walton (St Edmundsbury and Ipswich) 1965-1968, Rector of Hartshorne (Derby) 1968-1979, Rural Dean of Repton 1974-1979, Chaplain to HMP Foston 1979-1980 Vicar of Doveridge 1979-1986, Diocesan Director of Christian Stewardship 1979-1997, who retired in 1997, was Retirement Chaplain with his wife Mary until 2009, and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate until 2018, died on Tuesday, 20 December 2022.
A thanksgiving service will be held on Monday, 23 January 2023 at 11.30 am at St Wilfrid’s West Hallam, following a private service at the Crematorium. If you plan to attend please email mdleb@icloud.com.
A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the ministry of the Venerable Carol Coslett, Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, will take place on Saturday, 11 February 2023 at 3 pm at St John’s Buxton. This will be an opportunity to say farewell as Carol leaves for her new post in the Diocese of Southwark. Several choirs will be participating and offering different musical contributions during the service.
The Revd Sandra Doore, Team Vicar in the Gateacre Team Ministry, Diocese of Liverpool, has been appointed Team Vicar in the Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby.
The Revd Nicola McNally, Assistant Curate in the benefice of Tideswell, has been appointed 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.
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts, minds and homes for Christ's birth in the world as it is today.
It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, music, and good deeds, the true meaning of Jesus' birth.
Our reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent comes from the Right Reverend Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton.
St Francis Church, Mackworth, hosted a fun-filled night of carols and beer at the Woodpecker Pub on the Derby estate.
The evening was led by a choir and band that was specially formed for the event by church members and friends and helped reinforced the message that everyone is welcome to go to church at Christmas and beyond.
Many of the traditional favourites were sung and some really good discussions followed with people intending to go along and join a service soon.
The vicar, Revd Andy Bond, said: “We had around 25 singing in the choir and about the same amount from the pub who got stuck in and sang along.
“It’s the first time we've done this since I've been at St Francis.
“The event was a complete success; a lot of fun was had and there were some really positive comments about how much people enjoyed it.”
This is one of many festive events taking place across the diocese that it’s hoped will lead to transformed lives through growing church and building community.
Why not share your own Christmas successes with us at communications@derby.anglican.org.
Join the 2027 Community of Prayer and receive the Cycle of Prayer either daily or monthly to your inbox.
Cycle of Prayer - July 2025
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Cycle of Prayer - June 2025
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Cycle of Prayer - May 2025
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The Advent Season is a time to prepare our hearts, minds and homes for Christ's birth in the world as it is today.
It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, music, and good deeds, the true meaning of Jesus' birth.
Our reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent comes from the Venerable Carol Coslett, Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.
A member of the Diocese of Derby's Safeguarding Team has had her poetry selected to help highlight the national 16 Days of Activism campaign to end gender-based violence.
Sue Griffin, the diocese's safeguarding co-ordinator, wrote two poems about the horror and turmoil of abuse, which she knows all too much about after years of working in the social work and safeguarding industry.
She said: "I was in a meeting where there was a lot of talk about black eyes and bruises.
"I shouted up 'It's not just black eyes and bruises' at which point someone suggested it would be a good catchline for the campaign - and I decided to write a poem about it."
It’s not just black eyes and bruises
by Sue Griffin
The handsome man, the beautiful wife
A love affair, a family life,
Pressure grows, pleasure and woes,
Life’s events and sagas grow.
No peace, No love
No trust, no voice,
No money, No hope,
No time to be yourself.
The sideward glance,
The push, the punch,
The shout, the scream,
The No, you’re not!
You’re lucky – you should be grateful.
The fear, the isolation,
The pain, the desperation,
The control, the demands.
‘You’re mad’, ‘you’re fat’
‘You’re boring’, ‘you’re stupid’,
Who will listen, who cares?
It’s not just black eyes and bruises.
"The second poem, If You Told Me, was inspired by a campaign being run by our colleagues in the Diocese of Blackburn.
"For me, the messaging is the important thing - abuse doesn't only happen to women and writing about the underdog is important."
Sue said she has written poetry before but needs to feel inspired: "I like writing about people but I also find that having rhymes helps me to remember things.
"So generally a poem comes into my head and I put it down on paper.
"I try to come up with rhyming phrases and sometimes that can be frustrating; other times, though, the words just fall into place."
The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs until 10 December.
If you told me
by Sue Griffin
If you told me, I’d listen,
I’d try to understand,
If you told me,
I’d help you, with a future plan.
If you told me, I’d empower you,
I would stand by your side.
I’d respect your wishes.
Help restore your pride.
If you told me, I’d believe in you,
I’d show you that I cared.
If you told me, I’d be supportive,
Let you know someone was there.
If you told me, you’re ready,
You are growing strong,
You’re seeing things with clearer eyes
And know that things are wrong.
If you told me, you took a step,
A leap, to set you free
If you told me
I’d be there for you on your new journey.
Melbourne Parish Church is the star attraction in this year's Church of England TV advert.
St Michael and St Mary's features as the church attended by one woman through many Christmases throughout her life – from her first starring role as the baby Jesus in the village nativity play, to childhood and teenage years, joining church youth groups, getting married, parenthood and facing bereavement.
Despite life's ups and downs, she finds joy and support in the church, faith and friendship, not only during Christmas but throughout the year.
The church's rector, the Revd Steve Short, said: "Melbourne features right at the start and midway when my daughter, Sophie, goes to put a star on the Christmas Tree.
"It was a great experience and such a privilege to host colleagues from the Church of England and support their making of this film.
"They had such passion, drive and joy for what they were doing, and it’s such an exciting initiative."
The Church of England's campaign this Christmas is Follow the Star: The Great Invitation and it encourages people to try church for the first time or, if they have visited churches before or been supported by a church through difficult times, to gather again as we reflect on the year and pray for those finding it hard.
Watch the advert
In the week leading up to Advent Sunday, Chesterfield's Crooked Spire opens its doors to visitors far and wide to celebrate the start of the Advent season with its annual Christmas Tree Festival.
This year’s festival - the ninth - ran for ten days from 17 November and the festival continues to grow in numbers of both trees and visitors!
This year, more than 120 trees, set up by businesses and organisations from across Chesterfield, were on display.
>> See pictures from the Crooked Spire Christmas Tree Festival
Warm and welcoming volunteers were there to greet visitors before they were hit with a visually stunning sight – the array of varied Christmas trees shining beautifully in the church itself nd set against its altars and stained glass windows.
The Revd Canon Patrick Coleman, Vicar of Saint Mary and All Saints in Chesterfield, is often asked why they have a Christmas tree festival at the end of November.
His response is that the church prepares for Christmas with the season of advent: “We want to bring God’s blessings to Chesterfield by sending out the trees all over the town after they have been blessed by being in the church.
"We hope and pray that all in Chesterfield will be blessed this season.”
In the weeks leading to Christmas Day, every inch of the church is needed to fit in the hundreds of people who go to services and concerts.
If we needed an example that the church is truly alive, then this is a fine one!
