Items filtered by date: August 2025
Communion service is where I feel closest to Jesus
Ordained deacon in July 2022 | Ordained priest in July 2023
I am excited to be joining the United Benefice of Atlow, Bradley, Hognaston, Hulland and Kniveton in July.
I am originally from Birmingham and I grew up in a secular family, coming to faith in 2011 and feeling a call to ordination soon after that, although I did not seriously explore ordination until 2016.
My ordination training was at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.
After I left school, I joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a telecommunications operator, where I had a great career and enjoyed doing many sports including fencing and luge.
Twenty-eight years later, I left the RAF to answer my call to ordination.
Whilst working with the Oxford Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO), I worked in Aylesbury Prison as a teaching assistant, helping the young men who had learning difficulties with their education.
For me, it was a blessed time where God helped me to work with people who I would not normally have had chance to meet.
My sending church is: Church of the Holy Spirit in Aylesbury.
I have been on the PCC and Deanery Synod along with a number of other roles within the church.
I was also a Street Angel for the Aylesbury Church network, where we go out as a team of three on a Friday or Saturday evening in Aylesbury Town centre representing God’s presence and to care for the night-time economy.
A move to Derbyshire is exciting as I enjoy walking, so I am looking forward to exploring the five parishes of the benefice in the glorious countryside.
I also enjoy gardening and cooking, although baking is not something I have been able to master - yet.
My preferred service is the communion service, it is where I feel closest to Jesus.
One of my favourite hymns: In Christ Alone.
One of my favourite Bible verses: Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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.
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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.
The Venerable Karen Hamblin
Archdeacon of East Derbyshire
Archdeacon Karen has responsibility for parishes in the eastern region of the diocese, from Dronfield and Eckington in the north to Sawley and Long Eaton in the south, including Chesterfield.
Karen champions mission and ministry in emerging and transitional communities across the whole diocese.
karen.hamblin@derby.anglican.org
01332 388699
Archdeacon Karen writes:
I am excited about working with people, churches and communities across the new archdeaconry wherever they are: in workplaces, in schools, at home and in churches to see God’s Kingdom come more and more.
I relish the challenge and I know that God will highlight priorities and will go ahead of me as together we try to work more effectively, growing what we already have and developing new ways of being church to reach new, emerging and transitioning communities.
I was born in London and grew up with the Salvation Army as a backdrop to my life as both sets of grandparents were officers and we were involved as a family.
We moved to Dorset when I was 15, which is where I met my future husband, Andy (and also where I became an Anglican). Andy and I have three adult children and are blessed with a six-year-old granddaughter.
After going to the University of Durham, I moved to Derby in 1983 to start a career in teaching, but I also started working in local churches, including St Alkmund’s, where I became Children’s and Youth Worker and then a lay member of the leadership team.
It was there that I had my lightbulb moment as I believe I heard God ask me to be ordained.
It took a while to persuade me, but it was time to move.
So off I went to study at St John’s Nottingham; I was ordained in 2007 and served my curacy in Long Eaton.
And so began my priestly journey – both spiritually and also literally up the M1 as in 2011 I became Team Vicar of Pilsley in the North Wingfield team and, in 2016, Priest-in-charge at Brampton St Mark’s in Chesterfield and Area Dean of North East Derbyshire.
I had started at Junction 25 and ended up at Junction 29!
Maybe then there is a sense of fulfilment that I will now serve as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, an area defined to an extent by the M1 corridor, with a rich mining and industrial heritage, but with areas of deprivation, emergence and transition alongside rural ones - a real mixture full of life, challenge and possibility.
For me, faith is about knowing that I am totally loved and accepted and that, despite all my imperfections, God chooses to set his hope in me as I serve and work with Him and for Him alongside others.
Our lives, our churches and communities need the hope that He alone can bring.
I am passionate about the environment, and I love growing vegetables.
I enjoy a good walk and live in one of the best counties for doing that (but I do love the coast as well, so sometimes walk there!) I love spending time with family, who live reasonably close, and any spare time gets used reading modern fiction, sewing, cooking, seeing friends or just chilled in front of the TV.
What lights me up more than anything else as a follower of Jesus, and as a leader, is prayerfully helping to connect things: people, places, situations, stories and then stepping back to see God's Spirit at work, bringing fresh life – new possibilities, new & renewed relationships growing and flourishing under His care and direction.
Let’s do that together and see God's Kingdom come more and more amongst us.
Parish map of the Archdeaconry of East Derbyshire
>> Download a printable map of the Archdeaconry of East Derbyshire (suitable for A4 and A3) [JPG]
>> Maps of individual deaneries can be downloaded from their respective pages here.
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/
General Synod report was provided to Diocesan Synod on 26 March 2022.
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.”
