Items filtered by date: June 2025
To download a copy of this years event list please follow the link below
Around 40 children have received Bishop's Badge Awards at a special service in Derby Cathedral.
Bishops Libby and Malcolm celebrated the contribution the children have made to the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Derby.
Individuals and groups of children were honoured for their commitment to generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love after Bishop Libby invited headteachers to nominate the child in their school who they feel best exemplifies the diocesan values in an age-appropriate way.
Speaking directly to the youngsters during the service, Bishop Libby said: "Don't ever let anyone tell you that you're not good enough or not valued - you are someone special and Jesus has seen that in you all. Thank you for all you are doing."
Each child presented with a badge also received a certificate of excellence.
| Children from Scargill CE Primary School led the congregation in prayer
Information About the Recipients
Breadsall CE Primary School - Bella, Bobby, Ronnie, Kathryn, Agnes, Ellen, Xander, Maisie, Poppy, Edward, Isabelle, Harper, Eilis, Callum and Rhys.
Generous Faith
The children joined with the congregation of Breadsall All Saint’s Church to take part in their annual Lent Challenge to support Kumi Primary School in Uganda to purchase some locally produced desks for their school.
Children undertook a variety of jobs for family and friends throughout the 40 days of Lent and were paid small amounts for these jobs.
The idea of using the period of Lent to take positive action rather than “giving up” something resonated with our community and thanks to the generous gift of time given by the pupils, the generosity of the families and friends who paid them to do a wide variety of jobs and the support of the Church, four desks (made by local people in the Kumi region) will be given to the Ugandan school.
Jacob - Monyash CE Primary School
Generous Faith
Jacob has been a shining light in our school all year. As an active member of the worship team he has led prayers which have been thoughtful, caring and reflective. He has never failed to amaze us with his maturity.
Ben – Church Broughton CE Primary School
Courageous Hope
Ben embodies courageous hope as he has shown an amazingly positive attitude towards his treatment and changes that his body and life has undergone. The plan has often changed, but he takes everything in his stride. Ben is able to talk openly about his condition and his treatment, showing others that there is hope.
Lily – Coton-In-the-Elms CE Primary School
Courageous Hope
Lily has personally taken it upon herself to set up a small enterprise, selling eggs from her chickens to raise money for toys for the local preschool in Rosliston. She is always offering to help around the school - in her own time as well. She has faced her own challenges in life but continues to put others first and outwardly be positive encouraging others to be so too.
Izzy – Dinting CE Primary School
Generous Faith
Izzy is so giving with her time to others, she is an incredibly thoughtful and caring human being, who always thinks of others.
Hudson-Lee – Langley Mill CE Infant and Nursery School
Generous Faith
Hudson-Lee has raised £465 for the ‘Little Princess Trust’ and donated his hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair because of life changing medical conditions.
Isla – Loscoe CE Primary School
Generous Faith
Isla is an outstanding, dedicated worship leader, whose faith shines out and inspires those around her. She is a supportive, kind role model for everyone within our community.
William – Loscoe CE Primary School
Generous Faith
William is an inspirational, committed worship leader, who always shows dedication and resilience. He mentors younger worship leaders and inspires everyone to be the best that they can be.
Millie – Norbury CE Primary School
Generous Faith, Courageous Hope and Life-Giving Love
Since her diagnosis of diabetes, Millie has shown incredible courage, managing medication, sharing her awareness of signs and symptoms by running events and assemblies and raising £6,000 for diabetes charities.
Isla – Ripley St John’s CE Primary School
Life-giving Love
For spreading our school values all day, every day. Isla is an upstanding member of our school community, she is always making the right choices and supporting her peers. She lives through our Christian values every day and models our school rule of 'treat other people how you would like to be treated' at all times.
Seth – Ripley St John’s CE Primary School
Generous Faith
For leading our Worship Team with enthusiasm and courage and wants to encourage all of our children to be the best that they can be! Seth spreads our worship values and messagesdaily and wants to encourage all of our pupil to see things from different points of view.
Scargill CE Primary School - Edith, Lucia, Edward, Beatrix, Una, Hattie, Kauan, Reggie, Anya, Ava.
Generous Faith
Being part of the Collective Worship Committee of Scargill Church of England Primary School who work together as a team to inspire others through our Bible message ‘Let all that you do, be done in love’
Isla – St Chad’s CE Nursery and Infant School
Courageous Hope
Isla has overcome some personal challenges this academic year. She demonstrates so much bravery and courage. With ongoing love and encouragement from her wonderful mummy and school she has learnt that her voice matters.
Abdulrahman – St Chad’s CE Nursery and Infant School
Courageous Hope
Abdulrahman has not been in the UK long after arriving from Afghanistan with his father. He has faced personal difficulties and continues to show fierce bravery. He has a smile that brightens up any room. His thirst for learning is infectious.
Charlie – St Werburgh’s CE Primary School
Courageous Hope
Charlie is a courageous advocate for hope and inclusion. He uses his actions and words to stand up for what he knows to be right, respectfully challenging injustice.
Olivia – Turnditch CE Primary School
Generous Faith, Courageous Hope, Life Giving Love
For being a real team player, showing compassion for others and being determined to help raise money for the school.
Oriel – Youlgrave All Saints CE Primary School
Life-giving Love
Oriel has lived out our school ethos since her first day in school. She has an obvious love of learning and looks to help everyone, always with a smile.
Growing Younger Additional Needs Training Events
The Diocese of Derby is hosting two key training events being led by Dr Naomi Fox, the Founder and CEO of Growing Hope, a charity that works with local churches to offer free therapy for children with additional needs.
The events will both be held on 8 July 2024, with the first session from 10.30am – 1pm and the second session 7pm – 9pm.
Both training events will be held at St Alkmund’s Church.
Join us for a time of learning and collaboration as we explore how to better serve children, young people and families with additional needs in our ministries.
Our churches have the opportunity to be good news to their communities as they face the challenge of supporting children, young people and families where any members have additional needs.
With resources stretched and waiting lists increasing, the local church has resources which can positively impact the lives of families who often do not get the level of support that they need.
The morning is suitable for all but is aimed particularly at leaders of ministry with children and young people, as well as church leaders and clergy.
The evening event is open to all, but is especially relevant for volunteers with children, young people and families.
Youth and children's ministers and/or clergy may want to come on their own in the morning and then come with their volunteer teams in the evening.
>> Lean more
>> Book your ticket for the morning event (10.30am - 1pm)
>> Book your ticket for the evening event (7pm - 7pm)
To be ordained deacon on Sunday 30 June 2024, at 10:45 in Derby Cathedral
When I was discerning a call to ordination the words of the hymn ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing’ spoke deeply to me.
As I now approach ordination, I still find myself drawn to this hymn.
Ordination is a turning point at which I want to look back and thank God for all that he has done: in the words of the hymn, ‘here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I’ve come’.
It is a point of deep commitment which a line in the hymn also captures beautifully: ‘here’s my heart, oh take and seal it’. It is also a time for looking to the future.
I am looking ahead with hope and anticipation to serving my curacy in Kirk Hallam.
I love this verse from Psalm 27 – ‘I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living’ (13) - and I hope that, as I learn to minister in Kirk Hallam, I will always keep my eyes open to the goodness of the Lord and all he is doing in that place.
For the past three years I have been training at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, whilst living in Leicestershire.
Previously I worked as a Lecturer in Ancient History (most recently at the University of Birmingham) and I come to ministry with a passion for education and widening access to education, with a particular interest in developing chaplaincy in secondary schools.
I have lived in a number of different places, but grew up in North Yorkshire near the moors, which gave me a love of wild, open spaces; I am looking forward to having the Peak District on my doorstep.
To be ordained deacon on Sunday 30 June 2024, at 10:45 in Derby Cathedral
My heart ached for those who faced barriers in their relationship with God, and I knew I had to take action.
I saw the ways in which the church was discriminating against those who thought differently, behaved differently, and worshipped differently, and I felt God prompting me to do something.
I was frustrated with how people in the past had been disempowered, and I was determined to find a way to dismantle these barriers and rebuild a more inclusive community.
That's when I realised that formal ministerial training was the best route to equip myself for this important work.
Through my ministry, I have come to understand the power of forgiveness and absolution, and how it can truly transform lives.
It is this gift of pronouncing God’s absolution that comes with priestly ministry that has led me to pursue ordination.
I am excited to come alongside those who find themselves on the edge of church, community, and society, and to help them flourish as individuals.
I believe that by working together, we can bring about positive change in the structures that have left them feeling excluded.
My passions lie in working with LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and those who have mental health needs, and I am committed to developing the skills required to communicate with sign-language users.
I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen and heard, and I am dedicated to using my ministry to make sure that happens.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, and I look forward to the journey ahead.
I am finishing my training at Trinity College Bristol and live in Milton Keynes with my husband Ben and three children.
I have previously worked in fashion and boardgame sales and distribution when we lived in London previously.
As a family we enjoy strategic boardgames, Lego and outdoor activities.
Earlier this year, the Diocesan Board of Finance purchased a joint subscription so that all churches in the diocese can access this grant searching platform for free.
This gives every PCC the opportunity to search a maintained list of local and national grant funders and trusts.
All you need to start looking for that vital funding is your 6 figure parish reference code 120### and the name of your church building.
If you don't know your parish reference code email the Church Buildings Support Officer or you can find it on the Church Heritage Record portal.
Here is the link to the Diocese of Derby Church Grants site
Apply now for a grant to help you kickstart a net zero project in your church
If you are looking to reduce your carbon emissions, why not apply for a Quick Wins grant to help launch a small project.
Grants of up to £5,000* can be applied for to help fund small scale decarbonisation projects such as new LED lighting, pew heaters, insulation or updating electricity supplies.
The Quick Wins grant scheme is part of The Church of England’s ambitious Net Zero Carbon by 2030 programme, which aims to equip, resource and support all parts of the Church to reduce carbon emissions from the energy used in its buildings, schools and through work-related transport by 2030.
Download the eligibility and guidance [Word Doc]
Contact the Church Buildings Support Officer if you have any further questions.
The application dealine for this final round is 18th June 2025
Before making an application to the fund the following activity should be carried out:
- Complete your Energy Footprint Tool on the Parish Retuns Portal data for the church buildings.
We’ve even created a simple guide for you. - Download and complete the Practical Pathway to Net Zero Carbon to generate a carbon reduction plan. This is especially useful if you do not already have a church decarbonisation plan.
*The award panel may choose to restrict the maximum grant available where the funding round is oversubscribed, and parishes in areas of higher deprivation will receive a higher ratio of funding to total project costs.
27 June
The Revd Melanie (Mel) Hartley, Assistant Curate (SSM) of Baslow and Eyam, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Chapel-en-le-Firth and of Chinley with Buxworth and Hayfield, in the same diocese.
21 June
The Revd Karen Bradley, Vicar of East Scarsdale (Team Ministry), Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Team Rector in the same benefice.
The Revd Eleanor (Ellie) Launders-Brown, Assistant Curate in the East Scarsdale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Succentor of York Minster, Diocese of York. Ellie will be licensed to her new role on Monday, 5 August 2024.
6 June
The Revd James Lee, Assistant Curate of Stanton-by-Dale with Dale Abbey and Risley, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Team Vicar in North Wingfield, Clay Cross and Pilsley Team Ministry, in the same diocese.
Resourcing and empowering churches to engage with a General Election period
The General Election has been announced for 4 July, so now is the time for churches and individuals to take action.
The church has long been involved in politics in various ways, and we continue to be called to ‘seek the welfare of the city’ (Jeremiah 29:7), including on environmental issues and addressing poverty and inequality in our communities.
Political parties' manifestos have been written, so we have an opportunity to ensure our local candidates are committed to focusing on the important issues and holding those elected accountable to deliver on their promises.
There are a number of ways you can engage locally with the election period, with parishes uniquely placed to advocate on behalf of the issues and needs of our communities.
Pray Your Part
First, dont forget that Pray Your Part is an invitation from the bishops of the Church of England to encourage prayer and participation in the life of our nation and communities, both as voters and as citizens.
This 21-day journey of prayer and reflection is designed for use in the run-up to the UK General Election. Each day explores a different theme, with a short Bible reading, reflection and prayer for a different aspect of our common life.
Want to get involved?
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Why should I get involved?
As churches we care about what goes on in our villages, towns, and cities, and how governance affects the people in our parishes. We are privileged to live in a country with a democratic system of governance. In order for democracy to function well, it requires citizens to exercise their power and voice, rather than assuming those in elected positions (our MPs) will manage everything. Whilst important, there's more to democratic engagement than just voting.
As Christians we have a unique view of the world, and believe in a God who longs for humanity to flourish. Consider the Lord's Prayer: how do we usher in ‘God’s kingdom’ on ‘earth as in heaven’? One way is by seeking to engage with the political system, asking for decisions and laws to reflect heavenly aspirations on issues of poverty and inequality. When Christians engage with democratic systems and politics, they're part of conversations and decision-making which help mould the direction of our country’s politics.
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Is church political
Some people believe that the very presence of the church is political - by living for God and meeting together, we are making a statement about what we value and how we want society to look. This is why in some countries across the world, where politicial leaders see the church as a threat to their power and rule, it is prohibited to be a Christian or gather as church.
In England, the Church of England is the state (or ‘established’) church, which means we are to some degree entwined with our state, with the monarch (our head of state), and to our state government.
Some bishops, including Bishop Libby, are part of the House of Lords. They scrutinise legislation, hold the government to account, and consider public policy.
Much of the liturgy of the Church of England could be called political, not least the Magnificat which quotes Mary’s prayer and proclaimes the nature of God as one who:“…has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly... has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”
Desmond Tutu is cited as saying: ‘When people tell me that the Bible has nothing to do with politics, I ask them “Which Bible are you talking about?”’
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Is the Church independent and impartial?
It is important to bear in mind that churches are accountable to charity law (even if not registered with the Charity Commission) which prevents some aspects of lobbying during an election cycle. This doesn’t prevent all engagement, but it is important to understand what is and isn’t allowed during this time. Don’t let this put you off – your church can be involved in elections as long as it is within the boundaries of charity law.
A charity must stress its independence and impartiality and ensure involvement with political parties is balanced; they cannot support a political party but can support specific policies if it helps them achieve their charitable purpose. You should read the Charity Commission guidance, with section 4.4 focused on the specificities once an election has been called. More in-depth information on elections and referendums for charities is available here.
During election periods campaigning activities are also covered by the Electoral Commission - read their information on why the Lobby Act shouldn’t stop charities from campaigning.
If you would like more advice specifically related to churches, contact JPIT at enquiries@jointpublicissues.org.uk or on 020 7916 8632.
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Further reading and upcoming events
Want to know a bit more? We recommend reading:
5 Reasons Christians Don’t Get Involved in Politics by Christians in Politics
Can Religion and Politics Mix Today? by Christians in Politics
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What can I do?
As a church
1. Become a Voter Registration Champion
The Electoral Commission estimates that around 26 million eligible voters will miss out on voting at the next General Election because they haven't properly registered, don't have photo ID, or won't turn out to vote on the day.
You're at greater risk of not being able to participate in the democratic process if you are young, a non-UK national, rent your home, have moved recently, live in an economically-disadvantaged community, or are from an ethnic minority.
Your church can encourage democratic participation in your area by giving reminders on registration, ID, and voting dates in your pew sheets or e-news, sharing in service notices, running a voter registration event after your Sunday service or at your community groups. Even if people aren't British Citizens, they may still be eligible to vote (eg if they're from Commonwealth countries), so encourage people to check using the Can I Vote? search tool.
Find out how to accredit as a Voter Registration Champion with Citizens UK.
2. Host a hustings event
A hustings is an election meeting during a general election period. Hustings support the democratic process, facilitate public debate, and help people know who their local candidates are and what they stand for.
They can also be the start of relationship-building.
Continuing to work with MPs between elections is crucial for building good working relationships, raising issues important to your community, and keeping them accountable.
Hustings are normally organised locally by churches (often ecumenically through Churches Together networks) and communities.
If a hustings isn't being planned in your constituency, your church could host it.
Resources for running a hustings:
- Churches Together's guidance for running a hustings
- Register your hustings event with Churches Together here
With the general election only a few weeks away, you need to move quickly if you want to host a hustings event. If you can start planning now, we'd recommend you:
- Gather your planning team
- Decide on a venue (church building, community hall, school etc) and find out its availability
- Invite your local constituents (you may want to choose a date or offer a couple of dates, or to find out candidates' availability first)
3. Pray and preach
As a church, be praying for the election period; for your candidates, for respect and kindness during political debate, and that whoever forms the next government takes issues of poverty, inequality, and the environment seriously.
It can feel daunting to preach on politics during the election period, but it's vital for us to explore how our faith speaks into and interacts with politics today, and to encourage our congregations to be active citizens and voters.
Resources for prayer and preaching:
- Join with the Church of England's call to pray for our nation using the #PrayYourPart resources
- Watch the preaching politics part of this recorded webinar from the diocese
- Read blog Praying and Preaching from JPIT
As an individual
Unlike churches, parishioners are able to support a specific political party and to engage in any range of political activity or campaigning, assuming it is within the boundaries of the law.
Here's four things you could do this election season:
- Sign up for free daily reflections ahead of the election to join in prayer for our nation and play your part as a citizen and voter.
- Vote - register to vote, check what photo ID you need to take to the polling station, and find out who you can vote for. (Even if you're not a British Citizen, you may still be able to vote, so check here.)
- Attend a hustings - a public meeting where election candidates speak to potential voters, allowing you to hear directly from them and ask questions. Find out where your local hustings is and go along. It might even be at your church!
- Read Citizens UK’s General Election Manifesto setting out eight key issues they are asking the next UK Government to address.
Support and training
A series for churches to explore the theological take on the General Election, including strategies for mission and ministry in the context of General Election strategy: voter ID, voter registration, community engagement, and how we can prepare for the election.
Underlying all these themes will be the agenda of working at all times for social justice.
- Thursday 6 June, 4pm
- Thursday 5 September, 4pm
A three-day residential in London by Church Mission Society and Theos.
- 11-13 July 2024
Beyond the election
Elections aren’t the only time you can help shape the political direction.
Here are some ways you can engage beyond the elections...
Join a political party
Don’t sit on the sidelines - get involved with a political party to help be part of a team working to shape the agenda.
You join others to get involved with events and campaign days to help elect candidates, and vote on aspects of the party. You might even stand as an election candidate yourself one day.
You’re unlikely to find a party with whom you agree with on everything, but join one with whom you agree with most and help shape their policies.
Run the Influence Course
Run this interactive six-week course in small groups to explore the Biblical basis of our call to public life, and how we can be active participants not just armchair commentators.
Meet your MP
JPIT explains how you can build positive links between you and your MP, more than just sending an occasional email.
This gives your MP an opportunity to better understand the activities and concerns of their local community – update them on the good things you and your church are involved in, and the difficulties or challenges facing those in your community. See some top tips here.
You can also...
- Write to your MP about the things that matter most to you. Not sure what to say? Try a template from Hope for the Future.
- Track your MP’s activity in Parliament on Parallel Parliament
Even if there’s nothing specific you need your MP to do at this point, engagement now can still be important to grow a strong relationship which will aid you in the future if something important arises.
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For getting a meeting
Does anyone in your church have an existing relationship with them?
Involve them if this relationship might be helpful.
Write them a clear, short email, making it clear you are in their constituency (put your address at the end of the email)
Chase them if you don’t hear back (email, phone, or in person during their surgery hours!)
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During the meeting
Be warm and positive; build a relationship and a collaborative approach. It may sound obvious, but treat them with the dignity and kindness you would anyone else. A confrontational or accusatory meeting is unlikely to be productive.
Be clear about what the MP can do (this could be action or promoting a campaign/event – decide this before the meeting!)
Get details of the relevant person in their team to follow up with
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After the meeting
Accountability – follow up with what they agreed to do, and keep their team informed about your work/event/campaign
Consider carefully whether you want to be publicly critical; it may damage the relationship you’re building
Continue to build the relationship! Follow their campaigns and contributions locally and in Parliament. Consider if you can support their work or feed in insights from your local involvements.
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Join Citizens UK
Explore joining Citizens UK, an alliance of local faith groups, schools, charities, and unions in Reading, Oxford, or Milton Keynes, to act on issues related to the needs of local people. This might be through forming and joining campaigns, conversations with powerholders, and engagement with MPs.
Read
Some suggestions:
- Those Who Show Up, Andy Flannagan (Christians in Politics) – a book on the importance of being involved in politics, not just watching from the sidelines, and how this fits with faith.
- Just Mission: Practical Politics for Local Churches, Helen Cameron – an introduction to political and public theology for churches to see how to use the democratic process to achieve justice
- Politics & Mission: Rediscovering the Political Power of what Christians do, Bishop of Kingston, Martin Gainsborough – looking at how the church’s liturgy is powerful counter-cultural, and through this, the church is uniquely political
- Faith in Democracy: Framing a Politics of Deep Diversity, Jonathan Chaplain – considering the place of faith in public life, finding a third way beyond ‘secularism’ and the ‘Christian nation’
To be ordained deacon on Sunday 30 June 2024, at 10:45 in Derby Cathedral
I asked Jesus into every area of my life while at a Christian Camp at Lee Abbey, Devon, when I was 17 years old.
It was a good decision!
What a faithful, loving God we serve!
Over the years, I have been part of several different churches (Pentecostal and Anglican) and have had the privilege to serve in a variety of roles.
I trained as lay minister while serving at Westerham Parish Church, then continued there as ordinand through context-based dispersed ordination training.
This loving church community, in a rural town, are now sending us out.
Life following Jesus is never boring!
Following a wonderful two-year training based at Trinity College, Bristol, being built up for the next adventure, I am very much looking forward to this unexpected and exciting step.
While on retreat, I sensed the Lord directing us back to an urban setting.
And so, I am delighted to be serving my title as curate at St Peter’s in the City!
Over many years, I have had a rewarding career as a community paediatrician, working in special schools and neurodevelopmental clinics.
Prior to hanging up my stethoscope in 2021, I specialised in the health of looked-after children.
I also developed a refugee focus, addressing health needs of unaccompanied minors.
I have been involved in local church-based refugee ministry in London and on steering committees of national and European refugee ministry networks.
The dissertation that I am currently undertaking relates to refugee ministry in the CoE.
All this has led to a growing passion for accessibility and inclusion.
I look forward to joining in with all God is doing within the diocese, particularly among those often marginalised.
Enjoying being outdoors, I spend time off with my husband Andrew, family, and friends, walking in the countryside, bird watching, gardening, and working the allotment.
Yes, I have my name down for an allotment in Derby!
We enjoy being hospitable and relish time with our extended family.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we set sail for Derby!
