Items filtered by date: June 2025

Constantine and Empire

The advent of Constantine as Emperor in 306 marked a key moment in the Gospel of Jesus Christ becoming a public faith.  Up until that point Christians had endured a challenging journey – periods of peace and proselytising interspersed with the most horrific persecution.  A world of political instability and religious terrorism.

Constantine laid the foundation of what came to be known as the Holy Roman Empire.  The Church became a public body offering a Gospel of love to bind together the different cultures of what was thought to be the civilised world.  A Holy or whole Empire.

The Importance of Coins: Cash Flow

As in every age, money was the sacrament of seriousness.  Money provided the means for people to organise their lives and express their priorities.  Money was produced in the form of coins.  One of the ways in which Constantine connected his disparate peoples was through the use of money – the flow of ‘cash’.

First, during his reign, the images on the coins shifted from pagan symbols to signs of the cross and of the Christian faith.  The means of organising life and ordering priorities was clearly part of a Christian enterprise – an expression of the love of God in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Second, Constantine enabled significant investment in the Church, providing buildings and ministries to express this Gospel of love in practical ways.  The beginning of an infrastructure for a Holy Empire.  Word made flesh.

Cashing the Gospel

We are heirs of these significant developments, called still to witness to the organising of life and the ordering of priorities as an expression of the teaching and example of Jesus Christ – in public life as much as in private pilgrimages.

Coins, or, in our case credit cards and notes! have a part to play in this mission and witness.  Money provides the most accurate sign of how we choose to organise our lives and our priorities.

Cashing the Common Life

As we launch a new Common Fund this autumn, I hope that each of us can consider carefully and prayerfully how, in our times, we can contribute to our church offering spaces for worship and ministries for witness.  Each of us will have coins, cards, notes in our lives.  A key part of our witness is how we might use them to enable the Gospel of love to be made more manifest – as witness, invitation and celebration of that kind of gift of new life which Our Father longs to pour out for the blessings of all His children.

The Currency of Love

Money is something common, connecting and challenging.  Too easily it becomes the ultimate measure and value: a false god.  We need to use it as a form of service and fellowship – the currency of love.

+Alastair  

What does Common Fund pay for?  

The common fund contributes towards ministerial costs: clergy stipend, housing, council tax and water rates, remuneration costs, national insurance, pension, training (curates and ongoing CME); safeguarding and wider church responsibilities, including parish support, statutory contributions to the national church and education.

If the Diocese makes any savings could these passed on to parishes in the form of lower Common Fund contributions?  

The diocese is not a profit-making organisation and any investments from savings gets put back to subsidise ministry in our parishes. What is received via Common Fund payments does not equate to the amount it costs to keep the level of clergy and ministerial support that is needed for the ongoing sustainability of the diocese. So, it is not possible to return any contributions.  Each parishes calculation is based on their estimated ability to contribute and all that is received goes straight back to support ministry.

If we cannot pay the suggested amount of CF can we adjust our payments accordingly?

Your payments can be adjusted to reflect what is affordable to you, however, the common fund request will remain the same and we ask that you contribute as much as you can. For assistance in fundraising and stewardship or new ways of giving contact the Finance Team, telephone 01332 388650, finance@derby.anglican.org.

Will we lose our vicar if we cannot afford our Common Fund payments?  

Not necessarily as, within the spirit of the Common Fund, it is through generosity of an affluent parish that allows stipendiary clergy to be placed in less affluent areas. We all share the costs of ministry so there can be a Christian presence in every community.

There is a problem with the formula

We agree that every formula will have its own problems, that no formula will be ‘perfect’ because the complexity of any Diocese cannot be neatly captured in a formula. But the question remains for us as a Diocese: how do we fund our Common Life and live out the Gospel imperative to ‘love our neighbour’?

We should not have to pay for ministry we’re not getting?

Within the Diocese we understand ministry more widely than the Vicar or the Parish Priest in a parish. As we reflected on this question other questions emerged. For example, if we only pay for the ministry we receive how will this affect the life of other ministry that is currently offered in the Diocese eg. Reader Ministry, Self-Supporting Ministry, Safeguarding, DAC?

Our congregations can’t afford it / won’t be persuaded to pay

As we continue to reflect on the new Common Fund, we recognise that for some parishes there will be a difficulty in paying what is asked. But we really do want to live up to the name of ‘Parish Support Office’: we want to support parishes that might find it difficult to contribute to the Common Fund. We have prioritised the work of a number of staff in the ‘Parish Support Office’ to support parishes as the new Common Fund is introduced. They will work with parishes and with deaneries through open conversations and drawing on a variety of resources.

We have abnormal costs

We recognise that the formula cannot capture the complexity of the different parishes in the Diocese. As we journey together as a Diocese in our Common Life we will become more aware of these costs. In listening to parishes and walking with them we hope that we can be imaginative in finding ways to take account of ‘abnormal costs.’

The money is going to churches that are not pulling their weight

This is an important point for clarification. This statement raises all sorts of other questions: Do we want to go down the line of ‘enforcement’ and ‘sanctions?’ How do we encourage people to build God’s Kingdom, to be healthy, outward facing, growing and learning? How do we help parts of our church family find a new life and a new way of ‘being and doing church’? How do we avoid being judgemental about what another church is doing or not doing, particularly if we are not familiar with the particular context of that church?

There needs to be a conversation about the viability of some churches

This is another important point. We are aware that some ‘small’ churches feel they are struggling. And we are aware of the historic, cultural and social importance to the wider community of churches. How do we discern viability? How do we do closures well? How do we celebrate the past, but also mourn the loss of one part of the Diocesan family in the present?

The diocese needs to spend less money and cut staff costs

We recognise that in any financial planning – for business or personally – it is important to balance the budget. Income and expenditure need to be the same; if there is over expenditure in one area then cuts are need to happen in another area. The Diocesan budget reflects the Diocesan priorities for mission and ministry, for our Common Life together as a Diocese. How we spend less money and still achieve the Diocesan priorities for mission and ministry is an important – and challenging – question. How do we decide what we need to keep and what we can do without so that together we can work to achieve the Diocesan vision ‘Christ’s Presence in every community?

>> Our Finances

Thank you once again for your important contributions to our thinking about the Common Fund. As together we continue our journey into the next phase of the Common Fund we pray that together we may hear and listen to one another and that together we pray the Common Fund Prayer:

God our Father,
make us to think more of what we can give to life and less of what we can get out of it.
May we be mindful that we hold our gifts, our talents, our possessions, our life itself,
in trust for you and the service of all people.
Save us from thinking only of our own needs and desires;
and help us to remember that it is more blessed to give than receive,
according to the teaching of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen

Skills and Character 

One of the key strategies for the future of work and of wellbeing is the Government’s commitment to apprenticeships. In a world of less predictability about career paths, job opportunities and regular work, there is a welcome move to equip people with both the skills and the character to find useful employment – to develop the self and to contribute to the needs of society. This is true at every level. Training for the traditional ‘professions’ involves a mix of practical and theoretical learning – as much as preparation for more traditionally ‘hands on’ occupations. This “apprenticeship model” is recognised as an especially important approach to the preparation of young people for the world of work. Apprenticeships produce a creative mix of skills and character that equip people with ‘life skills’ that are flexible and the basis for future development. What can the Gospel contribute in this kind of world? 

1. Master and Apprentice 

Jesus uses and endorses the model of master and apprentice. A student will never become greater than their master (“it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher”. Matthew 1024). Rather there is a profound mutuality. Jesus gives Himself to those He calls to apprenticeships. In turn, like those first disciples or learners, we respond by giving ourselves into the great enterprise of His kingdom – in which we are given a share. The key to the Master-Apprentice relationship is not ‘what is in it for me?’ – but what am I learning to develop myself and to contribute to the enterprise. Self called into service for the sake of society. 

2. Apprentice and Master 

The learners/disciples called Jesus ‘Master’ but between them they were called, equipped and commissioned to offer particular leadership and ministries. Apprentices are learners discerning and responding to a call, accepting the responsibilities of a commission, and always open to future development, challenge and change. The Gospel places the exploration and ownership of vocation at the centre of each human journey, and as the key to the flourishing of society. 

3. Apprentices for God 

The Gospel witness is entrusted to Christ’s church. We must model and offer this commitment to ‘formation’ for ourselves and for our communities through our relationship with our ‘Master’ and Lord. Each parish is, at its most basic, a community of vocation and formation. In our Diocese the Director of Vocations and the School of Formation offer particular wisdom and resources to enable us to fulfil this kingdom responsibility most fruitfully. 

Take Time to Reflect 

In the ‘quiet’ month of August, when meetings are less and many church activities pause, it would be good if each of us took time to prayerfully examine our own apprenticeship – our vocation and our formation. Then, we need to play that part in the calling and forming of our churches, and in the further development of our own skills and character. A small step keeps the journey alive.

+Alastair

A model for today

July provides an interesting moment to consider the place of Grandparents. On 26 th July we are invited to observe what, for many, will be a very obscure feast: Anne and Joachim: Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The ‘Grandparents’ of Jesus.

We are especially conscious in our own times of the significance of grandparents. Providing support for family, and amazing energy into community life and the neighbourliness that keeps people connected in an age of increasing isolation and loneliness. Many of our churches benefit enormously from grandparental energy and commitment.

Gospel in Action

In grandparenting we see inspiring modelling of the value of family, the offering of time and skills beyond more immediate and self-centering concerns, and a huge generosity in sharing resources and offering sacrificial service.

Grandparents can be seen as a great advert for so many of the virtues that the Gospel endorses for the proper flourishing of human life. More, grandparents would be the first to acknowledge how much they receive from family, friends, social engagement.

God has no Grand Parents

And yet – there is a strange fact in the Divine Economy. God has no Grandparents! In Jesus we see God in our midst, Son of the Father. But no theology of a ‘Grand’ Father.

What might we learn from this mystery? First, the energy, commitment and contribution, not to say wisdom, of grandparents may seem to begin from an intergenerational set of relationships – but, in fact, it becomes something broader, richer, flowing beyond these merely human arrangements, to be part of an outpouring of a Spirit enabling greater wholeness. In theological terms, a ‘Holy’ Spirit. The significant factor is not one of generational sequences, but of gracious reaching out to enable a greater fullness of life, hope, faith, love. Origins and creation taken up into something new, ever broader and richer.

From human to Divine

Perhaps God has no grandparents because the point and the power of Life cannot be contained simply in human relationships or structures. Rather these necessary ‘arrangements’ are simply the vehicles God gives for His grace to be nourished, shared and tasted.

Grandparents often say that the great advantage they feel is the freedom to ‘go home’ and take a break from so much that they take on themselves. Home is the place for re-creation, reflection and reshaping our offerings into the world around us. Church provides this ‘Home’ in a special way.

The potential for alliance and connection between our contemporary phenomenon of grandparenting and the work and witness of the Church has never been greater. A key element for mission in our time. Perhaps the fact that God has no grandparents can provide an affirmation of grandparenting as service, a wider perspective of the Holy Spirit made manifest for the flourishing of all, and an agenda for each of us seeking to be Christ’s Church afresh in this generation – through the discipline of re- creation, reflection and being recharged.

+Alastair

The new Bishop of Repton, the Venerable Janet Elizabeth McFarlane, BMedSci, BA, was ‘consecrated’, or made into a bishop, today (Weds 29 June) in a stunning service held at Canterbury Cathedral, Mother Church of the 85m-strong worldwide Anglican Communion.

Bishop Jan made promises to act as a pastor to the clergy and parishes under her care, to faithfully teach the Christian faith and doctrine of the Church of England, to strive for peace and to lead with gentleness and mercy. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, led the service.

Working in the Diocese of Derby, the Bishop of Repton is a Suffragan (or ‘assistant’) Bishop, working alongside the Bishop of Derby in leading the Church of England across the whole of the county. Jan McFarlane is the first female Bishop in the Diocese of Derby, and in the East Midlands, and the ninth female Bishop in the Church of England.

As the second most senior appointment in the Diocese, she will be required to advise and consult with key people and organisations involved with the wellbeing of communities in Derbyshire.

Jan McFarlane said: “It was a wonderful service in magnificent surroundings and I’m delighted to have become the sixth Bishop of Repton. I’m passionate and energised by the Christian faith that I want to share with those who live, work and worship in the beautiful county of Derbyshire.”

The Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern said: “Jan McFarlane brings an enormous range of gifts and skills to the Diocese of Derby. As our first female bishop I believe she will bring a new and fresh perspective that will be a great asset to our community.”

The Venerable Jan McFarlane (age 51) was educated first at Sheffield University, where she trained as a Speech and Language Therapist, and then at St John’s College, Durham; and she trained for ordained ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham.

Jan served her first curacy at Stafford in Lichfield Diocese from 1993 to 1996 and was among the first women to be ordained to the priesthood in 1994. From 1996 to 1999 she was Chaplain and Minor Canon at Ely Cathedral. Since 1999 she has been Director of Communications in the Diocese of Norwich.

From 2001 to 2009 Jan served as Chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich and has been Archdeacon of Norwich since 2009. She combines her role as Archdeacon with the posts of Director of Communications and Warden of Readers. She has been a member of the General Synod since 2005.

Jan is married to Andrew Ridoutt, a television cameraman. Her interests include exploring the beautiful British countryside, beaches and country pubs with Andrew and their rather mischievous Miniature Schnauzer, Edith. Jan has contributed to several books of prayers and reflections for Church House Publishing and broadcasts regularly on local radio.

As Bishop of Repton she succeeds the Right Reverend Humphrey Ivo John Southern, MA, who became the Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon, an Anglican theological college, in April 2015.

Company Director to Follow his Calling into the Church of England

 The commercial director of a growing manufacturing company is to be ordained Deacon at a special service at Derby Cathedral on 26 June.

David Walker, 46, from Mosborough, Sheffield, will become Assistant Curate to the parishes of Dronfield and Holmesfield Team Ministry and is looking forward to the challenge of nurturing new believers from the business community.

Married to Andrea with three grown up sons, David is Commercial Director at Detectronic Ltd, a manufacturing company that produces equipment to reduce flooding and prevent pollution, but studied Theology at university and is now pursuing his long held religious calling to be ordained as a deacon.

As a self-supporting minister, David will continue in his company role whilst taking on a new identity as a deacon serving in the Derby diocese following three years studying a BA in Theology at the Yorkshire Ministry Course.

David said: “My calling spans many years but taking this next step has not been easy for me as I continually questioned the calling along with many others questioning it for me. After numerous times of running away, I kept finding  myself back investigating the calling further.

“I finally gave in questioning and said “OK GOD you got me”, after which I have had an overwhelming feeling of liberation.

“I would hope and will pray that I am able to bring a person to know Jesus Christ, nurture new believers and transform unjust structures, which is going to be an interesting and somewhat challenging exercise in the aggressive world of Business and Commerce.

“I am most looking forward to proclaiming the Good News and to preach the word of God with an identity of Deacon in the Church of England. For anyone else wishing to take this step, I would say: Be brave, and God will do the rest!”

Along with the other candidates, David will be presented to the Bishop of Derby, The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern at a public service at Derby Cathedral at 10.45am, Sunday 26 June 2016.

Award Winning Performance Poet to Become a Deacon

An award-winning performance poet is one of the six people to be ordained a Deacon

at a special Petertide service at Derby Cathedral on Sunday 26 June 2016.

Ben Allison, 29, will become the Pioneer Curate, North Wingfield Team Ministry. Originally from Leeds, he will be the third generation in his family to be ordained. His father and grandfather are both still serving in the Leeds Diocese.

Married to Clare for nine years, Ben has a young family of three children; Amos (5), Alethea (3) and Edna (7 months). Currently training at Cranmer Hall, Durham, he will be moving to Derbyshire ahead of his ordination.

A very successful performance poet, Ben has won the Hebden Bridge Festal Slam, Greenbelt Festival Slam and Ted Hughes Festival Slam. He also has autism and dyspraxia and has reflected on his experiences for a church resource book on Disability.

Ben said: “Becoming a deacon means a change a in identity, laying aside my lay identity in order to serve the communities to which I am called in a new and exciting way. I hope to find new ways of doing church which don't just seek to draw those on the edge of my community into existing services and congregations, but rather build church around them.

“I’m most looking forward to finally be able to do what I love full-time: serving my community, and proclaiming the Gospel. It’ll also mean I'll no longer be a northerner! I have to learn how to minister in the strange, alien culture of North Derbyshire.

“To others considering taking the same step, I say do not be afraid of your weaknesses. Do not be afraid of being vulnerable. The God who has called you will not abandon you.”

Former Chesterfield Pastor to Return to Derbyshire to be Ordained as a Deacon

A former Chesterfield Street Pastor is due to return to his home county to be ordained as a Deacon at a special Petertide service at Derby Cathedral on Sunday 26 June 2016.

James Durrant, 26, will become the Assistant Curate to the parish of St Alkmund and St Werburgh in Derby. Originally from Chesterfield, he volunteered as a street pastor for two years in his hometown after studying Environmental Economics and Environmental Management at University of York.

Married to Chloe since 2015, James is currently training at Cranmer College in Durham and is looking forward to returning to Derbyshire to take up his ministry.

James said: “It will be great to return to Derbyshire after three years away to an area which I 'm looking forward to getting to know.

“I am delighted to be in a position to serve a community and to walk alongside them in their discipleship journey, from those who have been walking for many years to those who do not yet know they have a journey before them.

“To others considering taking this step, I say God does not call the equipped but equips the called. If God is calling you the skills, support and gifts you need will be provided. You are being called for who you are, not in comparison to anyone else”.

Solicitor Embarks on Second Career with Church of England

 A high flying solicitor is swapping his 35 year legal career for one in the pulpit as he is ordained Deacon at a special service at St Laurence, Long Eaton on 3 July 2016.

Giles Orton, 56, from Kirk Langley, will become Assistant Curate to the parishes of Long Eaton St Laurence and Ilkeston Holy Trinity. Married to Jane, an Amber Valley Borough Councillor, and with three grown up sons, Orton was a pensions litigation partner in the national firm Eversheds until April this year when he retired from the partnership to become a part-time legal consultant and trustee and to prepare for ordination as a self-supporting minister.

Giles said: “My new role will be an exciting journey and an awesome responsibility. I am looking forward to being involved in the life of the parishes and to help the people in my community come to know and serve God better through word and sacrament.“

Giles, whose work included acting for the Maxwell pensioners and working with the government to establish the Pensions Protection Fund, continued:

“In my legal career, I did much to help pensioners in their retirement from work. In the next stage of my career I hope to be able to help people prepare for the next retirement and to meet their Maker in the next life that Christ promises.

“My motivation to take this step came from being called to follow in the footsteps of my late grandfather, who was also a priest.