Items filtered by date: May 2025
Christ Church in Belper
We are looking for an organist or an organist / music director, to join them in the next few months. We have a traditional SATB choir and anybody interested in either post should initially contact Andrew Pollett, via email pollettaj10@gmail.com or by phone on 07970 498 171. The choir sings at the 11am Sung Mass on Sundays and rehearses at 7pm on Fridays. There are occasionally additional services, such as Choral Evensong, weddings and funerals. The post will attract RSCM rates of pay, subject to negotiation.
Closing date: 31 March 2025
About the Vacancy In See Committee
This is a statutory committee, serving for a three-year term, who only meet when there is a Vacancy in See.
Meaning, in the case of the Diocese of Derby, if the post of the Bishop of Derby were to become vacant, then the Vacancy in See committee would meet.
- Members don’t need to be on any other committee, synod or be a PCC member.
- Members do need to be on an electoral roll or be a clerk in holy orders within the Diocese*
Should a Vacancy in See arise, Members would then meet to identify the needs of the Diocese and work with the Crown Nominations Commission of the General Synod, to identify the next Diocesan Bishop.
This process is governed by The Vacancy in See Committees Regulation 2024. The General Synod makes the Regulation, which is a Consolidation Instrument within the meaning of Standing Order 71(9) of the General Synod.
*Eligibility Criteria (in full…)
Any cleric beneficed in the Diocese or licensed under seal by the Bishop of Derby is eligible for election by members of the House of Clergy of the Diocesan Synod, except that no archdeacon and no person in Episcopal orders is eligible to be elected in this election. (The election involves the whole House of Clergy of the Diocesan Synod. This means that a person from one Area/archdeaconry can be proposed, seconded and be voted for by persons from another).
Any lay person who is an actual communicant, as defined in Church Representation Rule 83(2), and whose name is entered on the electoral roll of a parish in the Diocese is eligible for election by the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod. (The election involves the whole House of Laity. This means that a person from one Area/archdeaconry can be proposed, seconded and voted for by persons from another).
More information
For more information, please contact the Presiding Officer - presidingofficer@derby.anglican.org.
Resources
>> Diocesan Synod Members for Triennium 2024 - 2027 [PDF]
Volunteer with us
An opportunity has arisen to become an adviser to the Derby Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), our expert committee on church buildings.
- Do you love church buildings and want to see their communities flourish?
- Do you share the goal for churches to become carbon net zero by 2030?
- Have you got the insight and enthusiasm to help drive this mission forward?
The Diocese of Derby (Church of England) would like to hear from specialists in building services – specifically heating, lighting and electrics – with the skills and time to offer advice, in a voluntary capacity, to the DAC.
About us
The Diocese of Derby consists of most of Derbyshire and a couple of parishes on the fringes of Staffordshire.
The diocese serves a population of around one million people and has more than 300 churches.
It works in communities, schools, prisons and hospitals as well being represented in various other aspects of city and county life. Under three archdeacons, the Archdeaconries of Derby City and South Derbyshire, Derbyshire Peak and Dales, and East Derbyshire consist of deaneries and parishes all of which work alongside Christians of other denominations.
Our heritage
There are 318 open church buildings in the diocese, approximately 80% of which are listed as buildings of national significance, including 65 Grade I and 80 Grade II* churches. These church buildings are part of the nation's heritage. It is our duty and privilege to work with local communities to care for them and make sure that they are fit for purpose.
Changes to church buildings, their settings and their contents are managed by a statutory planning system – the Faculty Jurisdiction – of which our committee is an integral part.
Net zero carbon
In 2020 the national Church of England recognised the climate emergency and set a target to reach net zero carbon by 2030.
This commitment requires churches to take action to reduce their carbon footprint. This will involve making material changes to buildings and adopting new behaviours that both reduce energy use and switch usage to renewable sources.
The Derby DAC supports the goal for all church buildings in the diocese to achieve net zero by 2030.
Adviser role
All DAC Advisers are expert volunteers for the Diocese.
The function of the DAC is to advise the diocesan chancellor (decision-maker) on proposals relating to the conservation, alteration and appropriate development of churches.
The primary role of DAC advisers is to give advice to the DAC on matters requiring particular specialist knowledge, including works to churches that specifically relate to net zero carbon.
Applications are invited from individuals in the following separate areas:
- Heating
- Lighting
- Electrics
We are seeking competent and experienced professionals or experts (in practice or retired) who can commit to giving written advice on casework on a rolling programme, as well as undertaking site visits.
The role will involve close working with the DAC secretary, who allocates casework to DAC advisers and coordinates site visits when necessary.
Applications are submitted by parishes through the Church of England's Online Faculty System (OFS), to which DAC Advisers have access (training will be provided).
There is no requirement to attend DAC meetings (held six times a year), either in person in Derby or at one of the churches or online via Teams, though advisers are welcome to do so.
DAC advisers are insured for errors and omissions under the provisions of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance (DDBF).
For more background information about the role, please see:
- A Brief Guide to the Role of DAC Advisers
- A Note for DAC Members and Advisers Regarding Conflicts of Interest
Benefits
Being a DAC Adviser offers a unique opportunity to help to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of our churches. The role provides prospects for professional development and personal networking (non-commercial) and will allow engagement with unique situations in special buildings.
You will be part of a wider team of expert DAC Members and Advisers, who have extensive knowledge in a variety of specialist fields, including archaeology, bells, clocks, organs, AV systems, sustainability, stained glass, monuments and liturgical furnishings.
Travel expenses will be paid when undertaking the role.
About you
We are looking for applicants who will bring knowledge and practical expertise but also imagination, insight, and new and diverse perspectives. An important criterion for an Adviser is a familiarity with and understanding of heritage buildings.
Whilst there is no requirement to be a Christian, DAC advisers must act in sympathy with the mission of the Church of England.
All advisers work from the understanding that churches are primarily centres of Christian worship and mission.
As an advisory body, the DAC is keen for its advisers to reflect the diversity of the diocese, particularly in relation to gender, ethnic and geographic location, and to broaden the experience and perspective of the committee.
To apply
If you would like to apply, please send your CV (or equivalent) and a covering note to Kat Alldread, DAC Secretary kat.alldread@derby.anglican.org.
Your covering note should briefly say which position/s you are interested in and why, what skills you would bring, and indicate something about your approach to proposals for works in heritage buildings. Responses will only be used internally by the Diocese.
For further information, please see:
Kat Alldread, DAC Secretary
kat.alldread@derby.anglican.org
30 January
The Revd Julian Penfold, Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) in the benefice of Alfreton, the benefice of Riddings and Ironville and the benefice of Somercotes, Diocese of Derby, has announced his resignation. Julian’s last day in post was 31 January 2025.
The Revd Dr Gillian White will be licensed as Assistant Curate (SSM-known as Associate Priest) in the parish of Fairfield, within the benefice of Fairfield, Peak Forest and Dove Holes, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday 16 March at 11 am at Charles, King & Martyr, Peak Forest by the Bishop of Repton.
23 January
The Revd Philip Bosher, Vicar of the benefice of Winshill and Bretby and Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Stapenhill Immanuel, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Philip’s last day in post will be 31st May, with his retirement taking effect from 1st June 2025.
The Revd Dr Gillian White, Assistant Curate (Pioneer Priest-SSM) of Tideswell, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (SSM-known as Associate Priest) in the parish of Fairfield, within the benefice of Fairfield, Peak Forest and Dove Holes, in the same diocese. Gillian will be licensed on Sunday 16th March at 11 am at St Peter’s Fairfield by the Bishop of Repton.
16 January
The Revd Karen Bradley, Rector of the East Scarsdale Team Ministry and Area Dean of Hardwick, Diocese of Derby, has stepped down as Area Dean of Hardwick. Her last day in this role was 31st December, 2024. The Venerable Karen Hamblin, Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, will be the interim point of contact until such time as a permanent appointment is made.
The Revd Christine French will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of West Hallam and Mapperley with Stanley, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday 26th January at 4 pm at St Wilfrid’s West Hallam by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.
The Revd Elliot (Malcolm) Duthie, Curate of Eccleston St Luke (Liverpool) 1966-1969, Malaysia 1970-1975, Priest-in-Charge of Bootle St Leonard 1976-1978; Vicar of the same benefice 1978-1981, Vicar of Charlton Kings Holy Apostles (Gloucester) 1981-1994, who retired in 1994, and held Permission to Officiate in the Dioceses of Gloucester 1994- 2000; Exeter 2002-2005 and Derby 2006-2018, died on 10th December 2024. A service of thanksgiving will take place on Friday 24th January at 1.30 pm at St Barnabas’ Derby.
A memorial service for the Revd Simon White, who died in November 2024, will take place on Saturday, 15 February at 2 pm at St John the Baptist Tideswell.
The Revd Phillippa Taylor will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Boulton St Mary, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday,9 March at 3 pm at St Mary’s Boulton by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire.
9 January
The Revd Rachel Burdett will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Belper Christ Church and Turnditch, the benefice of Hazelwood, Holbrook and Milford and the benefice of Ambergate and Heage, Diocese of Derby, on Tuesday 18th February at 7 pm at St Luke’s Heage by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.
The Revd Christine French, Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Kirk Hallam and Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) in the benefice of Ilkeston St John, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of West Hallam and Mapperley with Stanley in the same diocese.
Welcome to the home of Mission Statistics in the Diocese of Derby!
Did you know that Church of England attendance increased by 5% in 2023?
The only way that we know this is because people like you told us so!
This page is full of important information to help you collect and submit your Statistics for Mission returns.
Statistics for Mission measures church attendance in several different ways, and the data collected enables the Church of England and its diocese to help plan and evaluate its mission and ministry.
Numbers and statistics are not everyone's cup of tea, amidst all the busyness of parish life they can be easy to overlook, but please be assured that completing the Statistics for Mission return for your parish is of VITAL importance and your help and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Where do I submit my data?
Data is submitted using the simple and easy-to-use Archbishops Council portal at http://parishreturns.churchofengland.org.
If you require login details to use this system or are having issues logging in, please do not hesitate to contact Matt Barnes on 01332 388692 or matt.barnes@derby.anglican.org
Paper entries are no longer accepted, but if you don't have access to a computer, you are free to download the paper-form return, complete this and seek help from your incumbent, area dean, or archdeaconry administrator for assistance in uploading the information.
When should data be submitted?
Data can be entered through the course of the year, and you are welcome to do this as soon as you have it.
For instance, Electoral Roll and Easter figures can be entered any time soon after annual general meetings have been completed.
The rest of the data input opens at the end of September, but much of the information can't be completed until the end of the year, so most people choose to wait until January of the following year to submit/complete their data entry.
All data must be submitted by mid-March of the following year.
How can I get help?
You can find a wealth of information on the Church Support Hub, which explains how to enter your data and why it matters. Amongst other resources, there's a comprehensive webinar that explores all the questions you may have; certainly worth a watch if you're new to Statistics for Mission.
If you can't find the answer to your question online, then you're not alone. As well as your incumbent and Area Dean the following people are available to help and support you:
- Rev Canon Matt Barnes Director of Mission 01332 388692 matt.barnes@derby.anglican.org
- Sue Hidderley-Burton PA to the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire 01332 388682 sue.hidderley-burton@derby.anglican.org
- Emily Redmond PA to the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales 01332 278177 emily.redmond@derby.anglican.org
- Claire Collishaw PA to the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire 01332 388656 claire.collishaw@derby.anglican.org
How do you record online worship?
Measuring attendance of online church is difficult and problematic.
Online platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Zoom do allow content creators to view an analysis of who has viewed their output.
However, these figures don't equate well to 'attendance'.
Many of those who view will do so only for a few seconds and it still counts as a view; in addition, one single 'view' might represent the attendance of several people who are watching one device in a household.
During COVID, the national Research and Statistics team of the Church of England produced a tracker that may be helpful in recording online engagement.
You can download (below) a simple Excel form that can be used to record information on your online church and attendance at services.
In addition, the Church of England Digital Team have produced some good articles on how to use the analytics available on each of the major platforms you might be using:
Are there other resources to help me (now, and during the year)?
Statistics aren't just for the national church - healthy churches will use the gathering of data to help understand what is working (and what isn't) to help guide them, under God, to plan more effectively and use resources more wisely.
Indeed, the church has been gathering statistical information since its birth (Acts 2:41)! Good data gathering can help parishes improve pastoral care, be more effective evangelistically, and increase outward-facing mission.
Experience has shown that if churches collect data week by week through the year, it makes completing the Statistics for Mission return at the end of the year much easier and produces much more accurate results. To help you do that, we’ve provided some statistics collection tools that you can download from the links below. These are not extra forms that you have to fill in. If you find them helpful, then please use them, and feel free to adapt them. We don’t need you to submit them – they’re for your convenience and use only.
- Statistics for Mission 2024 return [PDF] - This is the paper-form version of the Statistics for Mission data; you may find it helpful to print off and use to collect the information you need. You may need it to pass to someone else who is gathering data for you before you upload it.
- Online Parish Returns Briefing for Parishes[PDF] - For those who prefer a briefing sheet.
- Pastoral Care Register [Word] - A simple sample register that can be adapted to help keep track of attendance patterns across various services.
- Attendance Calculator [Excel] - Assists in collection of Usual Sunday Attendance and October counts, as well as recording figures for Advent, Christmas and Easter.
- Worshipping Community [PDF] - A document explaining the Worshipping Community statistics; their importance for the church (both locally and more widely), alongside some tips to help collect them.
- Worshipping Community List [Excel] - Assists in collecting Electoral Roll, Worshipping Community, Joiners and Leavers figures.
- Fresh Expressions Choice Tree [PDF] - A simple tool to help you decide whether you should include a group as a Fresh Expression in your Statistics return.
- Online Tracking template [Excel] - A tool to help record online worship engagement.
Online Service Register
One of the most time consuming parts of collecting data for the Statistics for Mission returns is having to dig out the service register books.
Don't forget, General Synod approved the online Services Register as a legal alternative to the paper version in July 2023.
You can now record service information on your phone, and then complete your Stats for Mission with one click of a button!
The benefits include:
- Quick and easy access to your service data when you need it.
- Increased security of your service data
- Seamless export to your Statistics for Mission return
You can find out more here: Online Service Register.
Finally
To discuss anything about how to collect or submit Statistics for Mission, how to use data for mission locally in your parish or ANYTHING about the mission of your church then don't hesitate to contact:
Revd Canon Matt Barnes
Director of Mission, Evangelism & Parish Revitalisation
01332 388692 or matt.barnes@derby.anglican.org
Available for one-to-one advice (in person or online), speaking at PCC or Leadership teams, assistance with MAP preparations, etc.
New Electoral Roll required for every parish in 2025
In 2025, an entirely new church electoral roll must be prepared in advance of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in every parish in the Church of England, under the Church Representation Rules (CRR).
So, even if someone has had their name entered on the existing electoral roll, they must complete a fresh application form to be included on the new one.
The PCC must take reasonable steps to inform all those whose names are entered on the existing roll that a new roll is being prepared, and that they must make a fresh application if they wish their name to appear on the new roll.
In brief:
- Preparation of a new roll must be done every six years (last completed 2019)
- Notice displayed near the main door of every church in every parish, at least two months before the APCM
- Notice must stay up for at least 14 days
- Announcements made in church during the 14 days that the notice is up to say that the roll is being prepared
- PCC must ensure that reasonable efforts are made to let everyone on the old roll know that a new Roll is being prepared
- Exception is anyone no longer qualified to be on the roll (e.g. someone who no longer worships regularly in the parish and lives outside the parish)
- Members of the previous roll need to fill in applications (no one is automatically included)
- New people may also apply by filling in an application for enrolment
- New roll must be complete on a fixed date between 15 and 28 days before the APCM
- Completed new roll is posted near the main church door at least 14 days before the APCM. During this time corrections may be made (e.g. correcting a misspelling) but no new names added or removed.
The full guidance on preparing the new Electoral Roll can be downloaded here: PDF | Word
Downloads
Forms, notices and guidance notes
- Preparation of Electoral Roll Notice PDF | Word
- Application to be added to the Electoral Roll PDF | Word
- Electoral Roll GDPR: Parish Guidance PDF | Word
- Electoral Roll Privacy Notice PDF | Word
- Notice of APCM PDF | Word
- Nomination form for PCC PDF | Word
- APCM results (To return to Derby Church House) PDF | Word
- Electoral Roll Certificate (To return to Derby Church House) PDF | Word
A team of volunteers has been packing and delivering special Christmas food packages to families and individuals in need in and around Derby.
The volunteers, including a team from Rolls-Royce, gathered at St Peter’s in the City, Derby, to help pack hampers for Christmas Lunch on Jesus – a project that provides low-income families and individuals with a Christmas meal.
The volunteers packed 300 hampers which will feed around 1,200 people.
The hampers contained everything needed for an enjoyable Christmas lunch, along with a candle and card from the team.
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See pictures from the event here [Flickr]
Volunteers started preparing early in the day, setting out tables containing the various elements of the meal and packing portions of fresh vegetables to go in the hampers.
Then volunteers went around the tables with bags, filling them with the ingredients for tailor-made Christmas dinners for each recipient.
Once the bags were packed, yet another stream of volunteers distributed the hampers to people in Derby and surrounding areas who were nominated by Social Services, GPs, housing associations, women’s refuges, charities and other organisations.
The project costs in the region of £15,000 each year and is financed through donations from businesses, churches, local trusts and individual giving.
Full time permanent stipendiary
This is an exciting role focused on deepening relationships with God as two churches of differing traditions come together in collaborative mission across boundaries.
The full review can be read here. Links to further information may be found below.
Keith Makin, who led the independent review said, “The abuse at the hands of John Smyth was prolific and abhorrent. Words cannot adequately describe the horror of what transpired.
“Many of the victims who took the brave decision to speak to us about what they experienced have carried this abuse silently for more than 40 years.
“Despite the efforts of some individuals to bring the abuse to the attention of authorities, the responses by the Church of England and others were wholly ineffective and amounted to a coverup.
“The Church and its associated organisations must learn from this review and implement robust safeguarding procedures across their organisations that are governed independently.
“This has been a long process but a necessary one to uncover the extent of John Smyth’s despicable behaviour and how the Church reacted to it.
“I would like to sincerely thank the victims for their courage, grace and dignity and I would like to remind everyone reporting on this review about their right to anonymity and privacy.”
The Church of England’s Lead Safeguarding Bishop, Joanne Grenfell, and the National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje said, “We are deeply sorry for the horrific abuse inflicted by the late John Smyth and its lifelong effects, already spanning more than 40 years.
“The review concludes that Smyth is arguably the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England. We know that no words can undo the damage done to people’s lives both by him and by the failure of individuals in the Church and other institutions to respond well. We are also aware that the time the review has taken, which the reviewer addresses, as well as the details now in the public domain have been retraumatising for survivors.
“We highlight the comment in the review from a deceased cleric (David Fletcher) who was aware in the 1980s, along with others, of the extent of the abuse: ‘I thought it would do the work of God immense damage if this were public’.
“We are appalled that any clergy person could believe that covering up abuse was justified in the name of the Gospel, which is about proclaiming Good News to the poor and healing the broken hearted. It was wrong for a seemingly privileged group from an elite background to decide that the needs of victims should be set aside, and that Smyth’s abuse should not therefore be brought to light.
“Every member of the Church is responsible for a culture in which victims are heard, responded to well, and put first: there is never a place for covering up abuse.
“We are aware of criticisms in the report of individuals and organisations and names of clergy were passed to the National Safeguarding Team, NST, from the reviewer (see below Terms of Reference).
“Of those who were interviewed 25 were questioned about their knowledge of Smyth and had their safeguarding risk assessed. The reviewer also had a duty to pass on information to statutory authorities including police if appropriate. Permissions to officiate were removed for some clergy while their actions were considered. Some seriously criticised in the report are deceased, others are not.
“The NST will now consider if there is any new evidence in the report that needs to be considered to assess if there is any ongoing safeguarding risk and if there is evidence to support any disciplinary process.
“The report also highlights Smyth’s abuse in Zimbabwe, where a boy died and many more were abused. It is clear that Smyth went abroad in the early 1980s following the discovery of his abuse here and in full knowledge of the church officers named in the report. The reviewer urges the Church to consider commissioning a report into Smyth’s actions both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“We will now seek to progress this in appropriate ways (noting the recommendation for international information sharing) and liaise with counterparts there who would need to lead on any subsequent investigation, which we would fully support.
“We also note the criticism of the Church's response in 2013 and 2017. We apologise unreservedly that the needs of the victims were not at the forefront in terms of thinking and planning and the response was not trauma informed. We will continue to learn lessons about responding well which is reflected in our revised guidance and survivor engagement framework.
“We welcome all the recommendations and will consider them now in detail, noting work already underway. We wholeheartedly endorse the reviewer’s emphasis that safeguarding must be everyone’s responsibility in the Church, working closely with safeguarding professionals.”
20 December
The Revd Stanley (Stan) Frost, NSM Lower Kersal (Manchester) 1982-1987, NSM Convenor 1987-1995, NSM Patricroft 1987-1989, Licensed Preacher 1989-2003, Priest-in-Charge Pittenweem and Elie and Earlsferry (St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane) 2003-2004, who retired in 2004 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, died on 15 December 2024. In respect of his family’s wishes, funeral details will not be published.
The Revd Rachel Burdett, Assistant Curate of Belper Christ Church with Turnditch and of Hazelwood, Holbrook and Milford, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Belper Christ Church and Turnditch, of Hazelwood, Holbrook and Milford, and of Ambergate and Heage in the same diocese.
12 December
The Revd Fiona Kouble will be instituted as Vicar of Tideswell, on Wednesday, 12 March 2025 at 6.30 pm at St John the Baptist Tideswell by the Bishop of Derby and inducted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.
The Revd Max Marsh will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Ilkeston Holy Trinity and of Long Eaton St. Laurence, Diocese of Derby, on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 6.30 pm at St Laurence’s Long Eaton by the Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.
The Revd Phillippa Taylor, Assistant Curate of Church of the Martyrs Leicester, Diocese of Leicester, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Boulton St Mary, Diocese of Derby.
