Items filtered by date: April 2026
The Parish of Staveley and Barrow Hill is situated on the outskirts of Chesterfield, with a medieval Parish church in Staveley town and a daughter church in the village of Inkersall. Staveley is approximately half an hour from the Peak District National Park and is ideally situated for exploring neighbouring towns and cities. Proximity to the M1 and A1 affords good communication.
Infra-red Heating in Churches demonstration
Tuesday, 24 February 2024
St Mary the Virgin, Church Street, Denby Village Ripley, DE5 8PH
Due to high demand we have taken the decision to run two separate sessions:
Morning session from 10 am to 12.30 pm
Afternoon session from 2 pm to 4.30 pm
If you would like to attend, please contact netzero@derby.anglican.org
(If you have previously expressed an interest you will be contacted about which session to attend).
Are you looking for more efficient heating for your church building? Would you like to learn more about low carbon alternatives to oil or gas boilers?
Modern infra-red electrical heaters are a popular heating solution for churches. They are a ‘heat the people’ solution, rapidly providing heat where a congregation is gathered. With renewable electricity this means much lower greenhouse gas emissions when compared with a gas or oil boiler.
St Mary the Virgin in Denby have installed such a system to their grade one listed medieval church building. In the process they have gained much valuable knowledge and experience, which they are happy to share.
Come and see it in action on! Contact Gordon Sephton at netzero@derby.anglican.org for booking and further details.
Elections to Deanery Synods are triennial and are carried out at each APCM in an election year, which is 2026, 2029 and so on.
Laity representation is based on electoral roll numbers. The 2026 - 2029 letter and allocation are available here:
>> 2026 March letter to PCC Secretaries [PDF]
>> Deanery Synod Nomination Form 2026 [Word]
>> Deanery Synod Nomination Form 2026 [PDF]
>> 2026-2029 Laity Deanery Synod Representation Allocation
Deanery Synod Representative
Deanery Synod Representatives act as a link between their local parish and the wider diocese, discussing and deciding on mission, ministry, and governance, while also serving as an elector for higher synods, bringing parish concerns to the fore and fostering collaboration between churches in their local area (Deanery). They bring parish perspectives to broader church discussions and are crucial in electing members to the Diocesan and General Synods, making their vote significant.
Key Responsibilities:
- Representation & Communication: Represents their parish's views at Deanery Synod and reports back decisions and discussions to their Parochial Church Council (PCC).
- Mission & Strategy: Discusses how to advance mission and ministry in the Deanery, often considering shared projects, pastoral care, and strategic planning
- Governance & Election: Elects representatives to the Diocesan Synod (next elections 2027) and the House of Laity for the General Synod (next elections are in 2026, and every 5th year thereafter)
- Debate & Decision-Making: Debates issues, submits motions, and responds to proposals from the Diocesan or General Synod, focusing on shared challenges and opportunities.
- Community Building: Encourages prayer, fellowship, and joint activities among parishes within the Deanery.
What They Do at Meetings:
- Attend regular meetings (usually three times a year).
- Engage with reports from diocesan bodies.
- Participate in discussions on mission, finances (like parish share allocation), and pastoral reorganisation (e.g., parish mergers).
- Vote on resolutions and elect officers/representatives.
In essence, they are a key voice for their parish, working collaboratively with clergy and other laity to shape the Church of England's life and mission at the local and national levels.
19 February 2026
The Revd Jason Kennedy has announced his resignation as Assistant Curate (Enabling Minister) at the Haven LEP in Derby City Deanery, Diocese of Derby. His last day in post will be 28 February 2026. He will remain as Assistant Curate (Associate Minister) in the benefice of Littleover and Blagreaves and in the benefice of Findern.
12 February 2026
The funeral for the Revd Christopher (Michael) Brinkworth, who died on 24 January 2026, will take place at St Anne's Derby. On Monday, 23 February 2026 at 4.30 pm there will be Reception into Church and Vespers of the Dead, followed by a Requiem Mass on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at 10 am.
The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Samantha (Sam) Dennis, Assistant Curate of the benefice of Sawley, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) of the same benefice, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
The Revd Mark Griffin will be instituted as Vicar of the benefice of Beeley and Edensor, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday,12 April 2026 at 4 pm at St Anne’s Beeley by the Bishop of Repton and inducted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.
5 February 2026
Collation and Installation of the Revd Emma Sykes as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire
Derby Cathedral. Sunday, 17 May 2026 at 5.15 pm
The clergy and laity of the Archdeaconry of East Derbyshire, and all those wanting to support from elsewhere in the diocese, are warmly invited to join the Bishop of Derby in the Cathedral Church as Emma begins her new ministry.
>> New Archdeacon announced for East Derbyshire
Emma will be collated by the Bishop to her new role and the Dean of Derby will place her in her stall within the Cathedral.
We hope you will be able to attend this service: please hold Emma and the Archdeaconry in your prayers.
The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Joseph (Joe) Cooper, Prison Chaplain at HMP Ranby, Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, has been appointed Rector of the benefice of Hasland, Vicar of the benefice of Temple Normanton and Priest-in-Charge of the parish of St Peter Calow, Diocese of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
The Revd Fiona Kouble has been appointed Area Dean of Peak Deanery, Diocese of Derby. She started in post on 4 February, 2026. She will continue as Vicar of the benefice of Tideswell.
2 February 2026
The Revd Catherine (Kate) Buckley, Curate (OLM) of Walton-on-Trent with Croxall, Rosliston with Linton and Castle Gresley (Derby) 2017-2022, Curate (OLM) of Seale and Lullington with Coton-in-the-Elms 2017-2022, Curate (OLM) of Hartshorne and Bretby 2017-2019, Curate (OLM) of Stapenhill Immanuel 2017-2022, Curate (OLM) of Swadlincote 2017-2019 and Curate (OLM) of Swadlincote and Hartshorne 2020-2022, died on 18 January, 2026. Her funeral will be at Bretby Crematorium, followed by a memorial service on Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 3 pm at St John the Baptist Croxall.
This is a summary of the monthly Church Leaders' mailing which was sent on Thursday 5 February. The full version can be found here
Looking ahead
- This coming Sunday (8 February) is Racial Justice Sunday. You can download the Racial Justice Sunday handboook here.
- The theme for Lent this year is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent. You can visit the national Church of England page for Lent here and visit the '40acts: Do Lent Generously' website here.
- Reminder that Statistic for Mission parosh returns were due at the end of January. If your church has not yet completed its return please do so using the Parish Returns website
- Deanery Synod elections and General Synod elections happen in the same year. Deanery Synod members elect lay members of General Synod, so it is important that we receive the outcome of your Deanery Synod elections as soon as they are available.
Mission and ministry
- Book a place on the Licenced lay ministers quiet day, Saturday 7 March, 10.00am to 3.00pm at St Helen's Darley Dale.
- Book a place on the Churchwarden Network Gathering: Deepening Discipleship and Spirituality day, Saturday 21 March, 9.45am to 1.00pm at St Alkmunds, Derby
- Ministry Mondays, a new Continuing Ministerial Development initiative for clergy, will be launching after Easter on the third Monday of every month from 1.00pm to 2.00pm
- Applications for clergy sabbatical places for 2028 (and one place in 2027) are now open. More information can be found on the Continuing Ministerial Development page of the website here.
- Energy Footprint Tool returns can now be submitted via the Parish returns website. The deadline for returns is 30 June 2026. Parishes that submit late will not be able to apply for certain national grants.
- There are a number of Digital Giving webinars taking place soon
- The national church is running an orientation programme for 5-10 young adults from a range of diocese to help them understand better the workings of General Synod and to help Synod hear the voice of young adults more clearly.
- There will be a launch event for Brave Spaces, a Fresh Expressions initiative, on Thursday 26 February at 7.30pm
- A demonstration of infra-red heating systems, open to all who are interested, will take place at St Mary the Virgin, Denby on Tuesday 24 February (see last month's Church Leaders' mailing here or email netzero@derby.anglican.org for more details or to register.
Safeguarding
- Access Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance here
- Safeguarding has introduced a dedicated inbox for all training-related enquiries. Please send all safeguarding training queries to: safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
- Please ensure you notify the safeguarding team immediately if there is any change to your Parish Safeguarding Officer.
- Dashboards and Hubs training session Tuesday 10 February, 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Updated guidance
- New Churchyard Regulations come into effect this month. They are summarised in this Handbook for Incumbents and this Handbook for the Bereaved
External events
These events or services are not organised by the Diocese of Derby and are shared for information only.
-
Diocese of Manchester: Financial Planning for Retirement: During Your Ministry and Beyond - Wednesday 13 May 2026, 9.30am to 2.00pm, 155-163 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND, registration via Eventbrite here.
- Pilgrimage to Taizé for young adults: Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 August, For more information, contact Revd Dwayne Engh at vicar@ashbournechurch.org.uk - To book your space on the pilgrimage follow this link to the Diocese of Lincoln website
-
Through the Roof: Communicating with children and young people with additional needs - Monday 9 February, 7pm to 8pm, Online via Zoom - Registration for this event can be done here. All are welcome.
- Council of Christians and Jews: Understanding and countering anti-Jewish hate training - Wednesday 18 February, Derby location to be confirmed - Spaces are limited. To book a place and receive venue details contact Rev Canon Alan Griggs on 07804 735556 or email at alandeut6@gmail.com
Future dates for your diary
- Growing a Younger Church conference - Saturday 6 June, Location to be confirmed - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries!
- Lay Ministry conference - Saturday 12 September, Cliff College - Registration can be done here
- Annual Clergy conference - Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 October 2026, The Hayes Conference Centre - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries!
In case you missed it
Ten clergy from across our diocese have recently completed the Launchpad course, giving them skills and tools to begin youth work programmes in their churches.
Launchpad, developed by Youthscapes, is a five-week course designed for clergy with emerging or no current youth ministry, to encourage, equip and embolden them with new ideas, knowledge and confidence around working with young people. The programme was developed and piloted with churches in the Church of England in the Dioceses of London, St Alban’s and Blackburn, and is now running across over 20 Dioceses.
Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, presented the clergy with certificates as they celebrated their developing visions, strategies and commitment to youth ministry.
Bishop Libby shared her story of being a young person in a church youth group, and how the simple act of someone remembering her name had impacted her and helped her to feel a sense of belonging.
Alice Smith from Youthscape spoke about the importance of youthwork and shared pieces of art created by young people in response to Bible verses. These reflected how profoundly young people can think about complex and deep topics, and that they should not be underestimated.
As well as sharing in a time of prayer for the young people in our communities, the cohort talked about the impact that the course had on them and how motivated they are to keep youth ministry at the forefront of their prayers and plans moving forward.
You can read more about the resources the Diocese of Derby has available for working with young people on the Growing Younger pages of our website.
On 28 January 2026, The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, undertook an important role as a King’s Commissioner during the Archbishop of Canterbury's Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Election is a formal legal ceremony where the King's Commissioners confirm the election by the College of Canons, officially making the Archbishop-elect the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally paid homage to the King (as Supreme Governor) and received the restoration of temporality (rights of office) before her installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.
After this confirmation, Dame Sarah officially became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishop Libby said, “It is an honour to have been invited to undertake this role as part of the Confirmation of Election. I am delighted to support Archbishop Sarah as she takes up her new ministry. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with her over many years, and to serve with her now as Archbishop. Please join me in praying for Sarah, and her family, as she begins her new role, leading the Diocese of Canterbury, Church of England and the Anglican Communion”.
This Holocaust Memorial Day we are reminded that the responsibility of remembrance doesn't end with the survivors - it lives on: through their children, their grandchildren and through all of us. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2026, 'Bridging Generations', is a call-to-action.
We are challenged to engage actively with the past - to listen, to learn and to carry those lessons forward. By doing so, we build a bridge between memory and action, between history and hope for the future.
Services and events will be held to mark the day, including a Stone Setting Service and a Service of Remembrance, Commemoration and Hope at Derby Cathedral, and QUAD will host a Multicultural Holocaust Memorial event in the evening.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said, “It is imperative that the lived experience of the Holocaust continues to shape our understanding and behaviour. I echo the national theme of the importance of ‘bridging generations’, which will ensure we never forget. On this day, especially in light of recent terrible events of violence against them, our prayers remain with the Jewish community”.
Learn More
>> Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
>> Derby Cathedral
The Dioceses of Derby, Leicester and Lincoln have come together to offer a Pilgrimage to Taizé for young adults aged 18-35, which will take place from 1 to 9 August this year.
Taizé is an ecumenical Christian community in Southern France which produces the beautiful contemplative worship music familiar to many. Its mission is to reach young people throughout the world (taize.fr).
If you are interested in spending a week camping with a global and monastic community, we will be making this pilgrimage together, travelling and camping as a group from across the East Midlands.
The trip will cost approximately £350, and priority is given to young adults aged 18-35.
For more information, contact Revd Dwayne Engh at vicar@ashbournechurch.org.uk.
To book your space on the pilgrimage follow this link to the Diocese of Lincoln website
Are you a prayerful, collaborative leader with a heart for mission and community? We are seeking someone who will:
