Items filtered by date: August 2025
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.
Lincoln press release Click here
Archdeacon Christine said: “ I am excited and deeply honoured to be invited to be the next Dean of Lincoln and at the same time saddened to be leaving a diocese where I have received such warm hospitality. I have enjoyed so many opportunities to grow and develop and serve the people of Derbyshire as archdeacon of Chesterfield.
Being a Christian is about following Jesus and answering his call upon our lives.
Sometimes that call comes unexpectedly, as it did when I first responded to an invitation from Bishop Alastair to explore the role of archdeacon in the diocese of Derby back in 2010. Having lived in Sussex most of my life it was a step of faith to travel north into an unknown county.
In responding to that sense of call and vocation, the last six years have been filled with moments of extraordinary grace and generous support and encouragement. I have loved being one of your archdeacons.
It has been a privilege to work with some outstanding colleagues, to support parishes in their work of mission and ministry to their communities and be alongside so many dedicated and hardworking clergy and churchwardens.
Now the Church is once again calling me on to a new ministry.
I have so often found God to be a God of surprises and the journey of faith to be an exciting adventure. As I prepare to leave, I go with gratitude for the impact that your lives have had upon my own faith and pray that the Christian community I leave behind will journey on, responding to God’s call, continuing to share the love of God with the people of Derbyshire.”
This page is currently being updated, in the interim period please contact the Bishop's Office for further information 01332 840132.
We all recognise the tensions between our crowded, contentious mass society of competing views and values, and the Christian ideal of God’s children as a harmonious or ‘whole’ (holy) community. Such tensions run rife within and between our churches, as well as providing a key context for contemporary mission.
Running at Different Speeds
Part of the challenge is to recognise that God creates a bewildering variety of opportunities and possibilities. The Easter story reports the story of John and Peter running to the tomb – towards meeting the mystery of Resurrection. They ran at different speeds. John, the poet and person of imagination, the ‘mystical’ gospel writer, arrives first. He does not enter the tomb but he sees and believes - an intuitive faith. Peter, practical leader and organiser, comes afterwards but goes straight into the empty space – to check, question, seek more reassurance. Peter, the rock, displays the characteristics of the person concerned with structures, responses, solidity - less intuitive, more experiential. These two forces have been in tension within the church ever since. The art of being church in a way that creates community is to be able to live with discipleship running at different speeds and being gifted with different insights.
A Common Foundation
But there is a common foundation. This month we recall Matthias, chosen to take the place of Judas as one of the twelve apostles. His story reminds us that some discipleship, as with Judas, can run at a speed which is disloyal and destructive: too caught up with its own agenda. But the story of Matthias has another message. Two candidates were proposed, Joseph (or Justus) and Matthias. Doubtless they brought different possibilities. The choice was made by ‘lot’, not by detailed criteria. However, one qualification was essential – to have accompanied Jesus on His journey from baptism to Ascension, and thus to be a witness to the Resurrection.
From Baptism to Ascension
In our complex and challenging times, each of us is called to run more closely towards the reality of Resurrection. We will journey at different speeds, and bring different gifts and insights. Too often such a collection of Christians can look (and feel!) like a disorderly crowd. We need to make a witness to that deeper truth that unites crowds into community. The truth that each of us is called to be joined together in accompanying Jesus from baptism to Ascension – the journey of the Christian year – and to be a witness to the Resurrection. Even if our differences seem to be as profound as those between Peter and John.
The Month of May
May is the month of Matthias. The call to be on the team of committed disciples. It is the month of the Ascension – joining us in worshipping the Risen Lord and beginning the next cycle of accompanying Him on the earthly journey. Finally, May is the month of Pentecost when the Spirit who called and blessed Matthias was poured out on a vast range of people and perspectives, baptising them all with grace. So none of us have an excuse!
Be prepared to be called and to be challenged.
+Alastair
