What is the Diocesan Synod?

The Diocesan Synod is the largest and most representative governing body in a diocese and operates at the highest level of overview.

It contributes to setting direction by acting as a sounding board and forum for debate and giving higher level approval.

The Diocesan Synod brings together elected clergy and lay representatives from our parishes within the diocese's eight deaneries.

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, is the Diocesan Synod president.

The term of office of the current Diocesan Synod ends on 31 July 2027, therefore the Diocese of Derby will be required to elect a new Diocesan Synod from among its clergy and laity, starting in April 2027.

Here's what you need to know about the election process

Diocesan Synod elections resources

>> Synod Elections article for Parish News Pew Sheets

>> Diocesan Synod 2024 Flyer Final

>> Diocesan Synod Elections Poster Final

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Bishop Malcolm is going the extra mile for vulnerable communities around the world during Christian Aid Week 2024.

He is taking part in ‘70k in May’ – a challenge to cover 70 kilometres in whatever way you like, in solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce.

This year’s Christian Aid Week - from May 12–18 - is focussing on work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa.

Bishop Malcolm said his connections with Burundi are spurring him on to complete the challenge: “Every year, during Christian Aid Week, people across this country raise funds, act and pray for their global neighbours in a celebration of hope for a fairer world.

“I’m doing 70k in May not only to get more exercise, (though that in itself is going to help me) but mainly to encourage folks to give to Christian Aid’s work.

"With family and friends in Burundi, I want to help Christian Aid empower local communities facing extreme poverty and the impact of climate change.

“Here in the Diocese of Derby, we have been supporting the Diocese of Bujumbura’s work with people on the fringe of the city whose property is vulnerable to mudslides due to climate change.

"Christian Aid’s work with people in Burundi, on most counts the country with the world’s lowest per capita income, can make an immense difference.

“I plan to walk, cycle, and on a good day run a bit every day, to encourage people to join with me in supporting this work.”

Money raised during Christian Aid Week will help the organisation’s partners empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

Heavily reliant on agriculture, Burundi is also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides.

The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges: more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

To support Bishop Malcolm, please visit his fundraising page.

Growing Faith in Churches – Youth Ministry Resources

The wording around the national aim to grow and nurture active young disciples is important. As we strive to develop youth ministry across the diocese, this is about more than numbers in a room, or ticking a box for those who have responded to an altar call, but rather we are about making space for faith to grow and life-long faith journeys to be begun.

As Strategic Lead for Youth Ministry, Rev. Aidan Watson is here to support youth workers, both paid and volunteer, across the diocese. Please get in touch by emailing aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

Care for the Family's tour of A Mind of Their Own is coming to Derby - June 17th · 7:30pm - 10pm

Building your child’s emotional wellbeing

Young people are facing unprecedented levels of pressure, from school, from their phones and from their peers. All of which are having a detrimental effect on their mental health.

A Mind of Their Own will give parents, carers, and anyone working with young people, practical and preventative tools to understand these pressures and help your children build strong emotional resilience and healthy mental wellbeing.

 Click this LINK to book onto the event.

 Emotional and mental health resources

For those who have been affected by the recent TV series 'Adolescence', our colleagues at the Diocese of Leeds have collated some useful resources for young people, leaders, and parents to help form positive discussion around mental health and wellbeing.
Find them here.

Below are a series of links for starting, developing and growing youth ministry in your church.

Confirmation Resources

Our colleagues at the Bath and Wells and Bristol Diocese have produced some excellent downloadable confirmation resources. If you have a young person or a group of young people you are preparing for confirmation and would like to use this resource, then click here to have a look and download your own version.

Youthscape Podcast

A fantastic resource for any Christian working with young people, the youthscape podcast has several years-worth of episodes covering a range of areas so there will be plenty for your context to learn. Find on any major podcast platform or here https://www.youthscape.co.uk/podcast

Youthwork Resources

Various fantastic organisations exist to support churches in running activities for young people with varying levels of faith involvement. Some of our recommendations include:-

Youthscape – originally working Luton, YS now has a national focus and is leading the way in research and innovation for Christian youthwork - https://www.youthscape.co.uk/

Scripture Union – in addition to their decades of church based youth and children’s resources, they are focussing most of their work resourcing churches to reach the 95% of children and young people nationally who have no connection with church - https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resources-activities

The RSCM – for more traditional contexts church choirs can provide a way of engaging with young people, including developing them as young leaders. https://www.rscm.org.uk/learn-with-us/

Urban Saints Energize - Thousands of engaging and adaptable biblical sessions, training articles and support resources - https://www.urbansaints.org/what-we-do/online-resources

Living Out Love – a youth group resource

Our colleagues in Birmingham diocese have created a series of short films to help young people think through issues of sexuality, gender, relationships, and justice based on the six pastoral principles which are:

• Acknowledging Prejudice
• Speaking into silence
• Addressing ignorance
• Casting out fear
• Admitting hypocrisy
• Paying attention to power

They come in two versions a 30 min and 60 min versions, they can be used all together or as stand-alone sessions. To download your free copy click here.

Bishop’s Youth Council

The Bishop’s Youth Council exists to hear the voices of young people in the decision-making processes of the diocese. It is made up of 16-25 year olds across the diocese and is invited to feed recommendations into Bishop’s council and Diocesan Synod. The council is overseen by Ben Martin (Lay Pioneer and Bishop’s Council Member) and Rev. Aidan Watson (Strategic Youth Lead). As well as having their voices heard, members are invested in as young leaders in the church.

If you or a young person you know are interested in hearing more about youth council then email aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

Local partners

Valley Cids - an independent Christian charity based in Derbyshire, committed to serving children, young people and families through out-reach work in schools and the wider community. https://www.valleycids.co.uk/

The Peak Centre – A Christian-run activity centre in the Peak district that gives preference to young people - https://www.peakcentre.org.uk/

Training

As a diocese we seek to facilitate training of youth leaders, both paid and volunteer. We are keen to invest in potential youth leaders. For training opportunities and events click here

Alternatively, members of the diocesan staff are ordained/licensed lay readers and can come preach/speak to churches/PCCs about the place of youth ministry in the church. If you would like to do a training day with your volunteer team(s) or to discuss options, then contact aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

Networking with other churches

Across the diocese we are setting up or supporting regional networks of paid/volunteer youth workers. If this would interest you then email aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org

We also work with Missional Church Youth Network – an organisation seeking to enable local schools, churches and community projects to work together to reimagine church with young people. They facilitate a Learning Community in order that youth leaders and volunteers can come together for training, encouragement, prayer and support as they build for the future. https://www.mycn.org.uk/

A total of 72 local men who died in service during the First World War are now remembered in a Roll of Honour mounted in the Church of Saints Augustine on Derby Road, Chesterfield.

Their names are on permanent display for the first time in around 100 years, after the original roll was taken down to allow the construction of the existing church building.

The church only realised the roll was missing in 2022, when military historian Michael Orme produced a 1920 newspaper cutting confirming that a roll of 72 names had once hung in the original building on the site.

The church’s vicar, Revd Sally-Anne Beecham, believes it is likely to have been lost when that building was demolished.

Revd Beecham said: “It’s extraordinary to think that no-one living has ever seen the original roll of honour and its whereabouts remain a mystery.

"It very quickly became a priority for us to replace the Roll and ensure these men are forgotten no longer, especially as the majority are not remembered anywhere else in the UK.”

In 2023, Michael Orme wrote Only Remembered, a book based on his research of the 72 local men who perished. 

A local committee was also formed, led by Revd Beecham, and together they planned, designed and raised money for the replacement. 

Mr Orme said: "The writing of Only Remembered was entirely motivated by the hope that, in sharing its story with a wider audience, Birdholme's lost roll of honour might eventually be replaced.

"It should, therefore, be obvious that I am both delighted and humbled by the fact that this has now been accomplished.

"I can only express my sincerest thanks to all those volunteers who shared this vision and have done such splendid work to make it a reality.”

The Roll has now been hung in the Lady Chapel of the church following a short ceremony on Saturday, 27 April.

The Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, marked its return along with uniformed personnel representing a number of military organisations.

The success of the Bishop of Derby's Harvest appeal, Trees for Life, Burundi, means that extra help can be given to the people of the Diocese of Bujumbura after suffering more climate-change devastation.

Last year, the appeal set out to raise £5,000 for a tree planting project in the world's poorest country, where the roots will help stabilise the land to reduce erosion and prevent lives, livelihoods, buildings and livestock being washed away by worsening seasonal rains.

Once again, the people of the Diocese of Derby showed extraordinary generosity and the final total raised is £12,428.

The Diocese of Derby pledged to get the project under way on two of the hillsides around Bujumbura, Gisovu, and Nyamaboko, but because more was raised than originally expected, the work can be extended to the Buhina and Kabumba hillside communities.

Recent floods and mudslides in the area have made the work all the more urgent.

Announcing the final total, Bishop Libby said: "Thank you for the generosity that enabled this money to be shared with our friends in Bujumbura for such vital work.

"Thank you even more for the care-filled prayers that continued to be offered for our sisters and brothers in Christ there.

"We do pray that as work continues to protect and sustain the physical environment from ongoing damage caused by erosion and mudslides by planting trees on vulnerable hillsides, congregation and communities would also know the continuing presence of the risen Christ, and put down deep roots into His love to grow resilient and fruitful for His Kingdom."

The Revd Bernard Rwambigo, who is managing the project for the Diocese of Bujumbura, has recently sent Bishop Malcolm an update, detailing the current situation and how the work is expected to progress.

People in Bujumbura watch their land being washed away

The Revd Bernard Rwambigo writes:

‘The province of Bujumbura is one of the 18 provinces that make up the Republic of Burundi.

It comprises nine communes, including Kanyosha.Bujumbura province, commonly known as rural Bujumbura, is also one of the provinces crossed by the Congo-Nile ridge.

The province's most mountainous communes are Isare, Kanyosha, Kabezi and Mubimbi.

Among these more mountainous Communes, Commune Kanyosha lies on the edge of the city of Bujumbura, where houses abound, continuously under threat from the consequences of erosion from the Commune's non-afforested hills.

Bujumbura's housing at the foot of these four hills is at the same risk.

From July 2016 to March 2022, a project funded by Norwegian Church Aid in the Communes of Mutimbuzi, Kanyosha, Kabezi, Isare, Mugongomanga and Kabezi, one of whose activities was the reforestation of bare areas was not able to cover all their hills, including those in Commune Kanyosha.

The hills in the commune of Kanyosha that are high risk are Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills.

The effects of climate change on the these hills continue to be felt: according to the administrator of this commune. Following torrential rain and strong winds, more than 10 dwellings, a church and a school were destroyed, and many fields were damaged; domestic animals were swept away by lightning and others by landslides, to name but a few. See photos of recent flooding and mudslides.

Yet the hill's inhabitants have not been able to take economic action to achieve resilience to the effects of climate change. The Diocese of Bujumbura is committed to protecting the environment and combating climate change, and is standing by these communities to help them address these issues.

As a result of the bare soil caused by the lack of reforestation, natural erosion is in full swing and continues to carry away everything that can be transported by water: small living creatures made up of animals and plants, resulting in genetic erosion where even native trees no longer grow. As a result of this natural erosion, food production is no longer improving.

The consequences of lack of reforestation:

• Erosion manifests itself in the loss of fertility of arable and non-arable soil, which makes it impossible for farmers to sustain their livelihoods.
• Climate change: climate change is causing temperatures to rise, increasing respiratory illnesses and the disappearance of some animals and plants.
• Both of the above contribute to persistent and worsening poverty and ill health.

The overall objective of this extended project is “To contribute to the reduction of the bare soil of the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills, Commune Kanyosha, Province of Bujumbura".

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Specific objective no. 1: Reduce soil erosion by 20% on the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills in high-risk areas.

Specific objective no. 2: Initiate 16 climate resilience economic groupings.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Expected outcome 1.1: By September 2024, 40% of the 280 women and 40 young people beneficiaries in the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills will have traced contour lines on their landholdings.

Expected Outcome I.2: By December 2024, 20% of the open spaces on the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills will be planted with trees.

Expected outcome 2.1: By July 2024, at least 16 savings and credit groups, including 14 for women and 2 for young people, will be operational.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project aims to solve the problem faced by the inhabitants of the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills in Commune Kanyosha, Province Bujumbura. The problem concerns the bare soil of the four hills.

This problem will be solved by contouring all cultivable and non-cultivable areas. Awareness-raising campaigns for members of the local administration and the population will be carried out on the importance of contour marking, contour protection and tree planting.

The beneficiaries will be the heads of households and young people up to the age of 45. These beneficiaries and young people will be given nurseries. Beneficiaries will operate in groups of 20 people each. 16 groups will be formed, including 2 youth groups and 14 adult groups (women mothers of households). The number of direct beneficiaries will therefore be 280 women and 40 young people, making a total of 320 beneficiaries representing 320 households. According to Burundi Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (ISTEEBU), a household consists of 8 family members. The number of indirect beneficiaries is therefore 320x7= 2,240 people.

Other indirect beneficiaries are the population of the four hills and those living below the four hills in the intervention zone.

In these groups, a savings and credit approach will be introduced, so that beneficiaries can set up a fund to help them purchase nursery raising equipment to sustain the project after it ends. The savings and credit approach will use the Self Help Group (SHG) process.

A project team will be set up, consisting of a focal point living in the same locality of Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills, two agricultural monitors who are already in the field on salary, an agronomist already on the payroll of the Diocese and the Coordinator, also on the payroll of the Diocese. The accountant will be from the Diocese.

A database will be developed at the start of the project. Data collection sheets to monitor the indicators will be drawn up and made available to the monitors and the focal point. These sheets will be collected on a monthly basis, and the narrative and financial reports to be sent to the donor (Diocese of Derby) will be drawn up on a quarterly basis and whenever necessary.’

(A slightly abridged version of the extended Project Proposal prepared by the Revd Bernard Rwambigo, Diocese of Bujumbura. April 2024)

Please keep this extraordinarily important and valuable work in your prayers.

+Malcolm

Bishop of Repton

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.

Since 1973 the Parish has been constituted as a Team Ministry now resourced by a Team Rector and Team Vicar.

The next triennial elections to Diocesan Synod will take place from April to July 2024.

The Diocese of Derby must elect a new Diocesan Synod from among its clergy and laity. The Presiding Officers of each deanery are:

• Carsington Deanery - Phil Michell (PO for Laity Election), Peter Walker (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Claire Critchlow
• Derby City Deanery - Sarah Watson (PO for Laity Election), Madelaine Goddard (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Kelly Martin
• Dove and Derwent Deanery - James Hughes (PO for Laity Election), David Legh (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Claire Critchlow
• Hardwick Deanery - Karen Bradley (PO for Laity Election, John Atkin (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Ailsa Cooling
• Mercia Deanery - Mike Firbank (PO for Laity Election), Maggie Fenby-Taylor(PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Debbie Patrick
• North East Derbyshire Deanery - Daniel Cooke (PO for Laity Election), Christine Holmes-Elener (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator - Jacqueline Clayton
• Peak Deanery - David Mundy (PO for Laity Election), Christine McMullen (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Eileen Burt
• South East Derbyshire Deanery - Phil Selby (PO for Laity Election), Brian Parker (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Revd Helen Bridger

For impartiality, Lay colleagues will act as Presiding Officers of the Clergy elections, and Clergy colleagues as Presiding Officers of the Lay elections.

The electors are members (other than currently co-opted members) of the House of Clergy and the House of Laity of the Deanery Synods of the Diocese.

For more information or if you have a query, email: elections@derby.anglican.org

>> Back to main Diocesan Synod Elections page

On Saturday 20^th April, Bishop Libby admitted 11 new people to the office of Licensed Lay Minister (Reader), in a special service at Derby Cathedral.

Licensed Lay Ministers are volunteers who are called and theologically trained to teach, lead, and equip the church for mission.

They are people from a variety of backgrounds, occupations, and contexts who have heard God's call.

LLMs are communicators, story tellers and teachers who can shape the minds, hearts and souls of people and congregations around the good news of Jesus Christ, the story of Scripture and the wisdom of our tradition so that they can live out their calling as disciples in everyday life.

They work collaboratively with clergy as fellow ministers with complementary gifts and callings.

• In pictures: Reader Licensing 2024 [Flickr]
  
  
• Find out more about becoming a Reader

Please hold in your prayers those who were licensed as they begin this new phase in public ministry:

Beth Hawkins to serve in the Benefice of Walkbrook Epiphany.

Diana Houghton to serve in the Benefices of Fenny Bentley, Thorpe, Tissington, Parwich and Alsop en le Dale.

Steve Johnson to serve in the Benefices of Etwall, Egginton, Dalbury, Sutton-on-the-Hill and Trusley.

Ben Martin to serve in the Benefice of St Alkmund and St Werburgh.

Vickie Melling to serve in the Benefice of Hilton with Marston on Dove, Hatton, Boylestone and Church Broughton. 

Liz Runcorn to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Peter and Christ Church with Holy Trinity. 

Pete Townsend to serve in the Benefice of Ashover and Handley, and Brackenfield with Wessington. 

Ben Wheelhouse to serve in the Benefice of Killamarsh and Renishaw.

Jenny Whittaker to serve in the Benefice of Dronfield with Holmesfield.

Chris Wilkins to serve in the Benefice of Sawley.

Steve Dunning to serve with Permission to Officiate in the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston.

Vocation means discovering what God has called you to be and do, asking the question:-

What is God’s plan for my life?

All of us are invited to follow Jesus and to serve God faithfully in our everyday lives.

To discover more about what this might mean for you, please see our Everyday Faith page.

To begin a conversation about what this might look like for you, we recommend you speak first to your vicar or chaplain.

Do I have a specific vocation?

Alongside our everyday faith, some people are called to serve God in a specific ministry.

You can find out more about some of these ministries in our vocations videos:

You can also find more information about vocations and calling here:

• Vocations | The Church of England
• Stories of Calling | The Church of England

If you would like to explore a potential vocation to a specific ministry with someone from the diocese of Derby vocations team, please contact: vocations@derby.anglican.org

Am I called to be a priest or deacon?

The process of exploring a potential call to ordination in the Church of England is explored and assessed locally and by the national church.

It is a two-stage process which includes regular meetings with a member of the DDO team locally, exploring the qualities required and the areas which will be assessed nationally at Stage 1 (online mini-interviews) and then at Stage 2 panel (2 days of assessments and interviews; often residential).

More information can be found here: Understanding Discernment | The Church of England

And if you want to begin a conversation about ordination, with the Diocese of Derby vocations team, please contact: vocations@derby.anglican.org

Am I called to be a licensed lay minister (LLM)?

The process of exploring a potential call to licensed lay ministry (sometimes called a lay reader) is explored and assessed locally.

It involves meeting regularly with a vocations adviser, and attending our LLM(R) course, during which the qualities required and the areas which will be assessed at interview at the end of the first year of the course are explored.

More information about the course can be found here: Discipleship-Training at the Diocese of Derby

To begin a conversation about licensed lay ministry, with the diocese of Derby vocations team, please contact: vocations@derby.anglican.org 

Am I called to be a foundation governor?

Foundation governors are usually nominated by the related PCC. Speak to your vicar, existing foundation governors, and PCC about what the role might entail.

You can also find out more, including a role description, here: Foundation Governor Appointments – Derby Diocesan Board of Education (derbydbe.org)

Am I called to be a churchwarden?

Churchwardens are elected annually under the provisions of the Churchwardens Measure 2001 by the Annual Meeting of Parishioners. Speak to your vicar, existing church wardens, and PCC, about what the role entails.

You can find out more here: Churchwardens - Roles and responsibilities - Diocese of Derby (anglican.org)

See also: Can I be a churchwarden?