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People from all over the Diocese of Derby have been presented with their Bishop's Badge in celebration of their lay ministry.

Bishop Libby presented the badges at a special service in Derby Cathedral, and online to those joining the service from home.

The badges recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing to the mission of the Church.

A number of awards were made to celebrate mission and innovation whilst others were presented to recognise long service.

>> See photos from the Bishop's Badge service [on Flickr]

 

Awards for Mission and Innovation

Paul Black - St John the Baptist, Tideswell

Nigel Brown - St. Mary's, Marston on Dove

Angela Cope - St Thomas, Somercotes

Mark Depiedge - St Thomas, Brampton

Sarah Johnson - The BMO of The Journey Community, St Osmund's Parish, Wilmortion

Sara Krohl - St Werburgh, Spondon

Lorraine and Simon Marrow - Buxton Team Parish

Janet Micklewright - All Saints' with St Mary's Sawley (and long service)

Katrina Pargma - The BMO of The Journey Community. St Osmund's Parish, Wilmorton

Nick Roberts - St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Tim Scott - The BMO for The Journey Community in St Osmand's parish, Wilmorton

Leon Shufflebotham - St George the Martyr, New Mills

Susan Silcock - Kirk Langley, Mackworth and Mugginton

Christine Tilbrook - St Giles, Killamarsh

Jure Tilbrook - St Giles, Killamarsh

 

Awards for Long Service

Meleta Barlow - Charlesworth with Gamesly

Pauline Boon - Buxton Team Parish

Marylyn Bryan - St James Codnor

Sylvia Bunting - St Mary's Cromford

Barbara Buxton - St Osmund Wilmorton

Barrie Clayton - Charlesworth with Gamesley

Maggie Davis - Buxton Team Parish

David Gardner - Wallbrook Epiphany

Lawrence Green - St. Mary in the United Benefice of Calow with Sutton-cum-Duckmanton

Mille Guthrie - St Thomas, Brampton

Sheila Harper - Oakwood

Christine Hill - St Michael and All Angels Brimington

Paul Hunter - Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath

Ena Johnson - Newbold with Dunston

Vicks Keane - St Helen's, Etwall

Robin Lacey - St Michael and All Angels

Evelyn Lowe - Newbold with Durston

Gay Lowe - St John the Baptist, Croxall

Peter Lowe - St John the Baptist, Croxall

Janet Mowman - St Osmund, Wilmorton

Lesley Mundy - St Andrew's, Hadfield

Beryl Murdy - Marlpool

Diane Peet - Stanton In Peak

Douglas Poole - Derby Cathedral

John Roberts - Hadfield

Peter Robinson - St John the Baptist, Tideswell

Helen Smart - St Mark's, Winshill

Hilary Smith - All Saints, Hatton

Arthur Stamper - Clowne

Barbara Stringer -  St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Marion Tauibut - St Alkmund's, Duffield

Paul Taylor - Buxton Team Parish

Ruth Taylor - St Margaret's, Tideswell

Josephine Vallence - St Clement's, Horsley

Calow with Sutton-cum-Duckmanton

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:57

Bishop Libby is pleased to announce that Ian Blaney of Lee Bolton Monier-Williams has been appointed the next Registrar of the Diocese of Derby and her Legal Secretary, following the retirement of Nadine Waldron.

The appointment will take effect on 1 October 2021 and all Registry enquiries should be directed to the new registrar from that date.

He is to be supported by three deputy registrars, Howard Dellar, Susan Newell and Ed Henderson who each have their own specialist expertise.

Susan Black is to be the principal registry clerk, supported by Kevin Diamond

Ian Blaney is a solicitor with over 15 years’ experience in ecclesiastical law. He has written various publications on church, burial and marriage law and has a degree in canon law.

He lives in north London where he is a member of his parish church, on the PCC, and is Vice-Chair of Governors of the church school.

He hails from Cheshire and Staffordshire where family members still live. He has served as Registrar of the Diocese of Lincoln for the last 4 years and will continue in that post.

His firm, Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is known for its expertise in ecclesiastical, charity and educational law.

Bishop Libby said: “I am delighted that Ian is joining us as our new registrar. His knowledge, experience and expertise will be an valuable addition to our diocesan team. I am inspired by his commitment to live out his faith by offering the best practice of law in the service of the Church for the sake of the Kingdom. I am looking forward to working together so that we can be good news for all in transforming lives through growing the church and building community.”

Ian Blaney said: “I would like to thank the Bishop and her team for appointing me to this important role. I look forward to exploring the parishes of the Diocese and getting to know the clergy, lay officers and volunteers who faithfully make their churches a place of welcome and sanctuary. I am grateful to my predecessor Nadine Waldron for her steadfast work over many years for and making the handover as smooth as possible. My office is based in London, where the Registry is easily contactable by phone, email, ‘snail mail’ and video. Although the last year has highlighted the convenience and usefulness of online meetings, I and my team value forming relationships and maintaining a presence through personal visits, and we look forward to being with you.”

The contact details for the new Registrar are:

Derby Diocesan Registry
1 The Sanctuary
Westminster
London
SW1P 3JT

Reception Telephone: 020 7222 5381

Direct Telephone (Registry Clerk): 0207 960 7152

Email: derby.registry@1thesanctuary.com

A registry website is in the process of being built and information about this will be published in due course.

Last modified on Thursday, 07 October 2021 00:44

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek, has created a collaborative team to support her in her role as Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons in England and Wales.

Bishop Rachel is tasked with supporting the network of 300 Anglican Prison Chaplains who share in the front-line care of prisoners, as well as developing relationships and being involved with people and issues across the breadth of the Criminal Justice System.

This includes probation and community services, as well as many different charities and organisations.

In all of this, Bishop Rachel seeks to use her role as a Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords, not least working for a change to systems and sentencing for the most vulnerable people in our communities, whilst not losing sight of appropriate justice for victims of crime.

Bishop Libby will support Bishop Rachel in work with young offenders, which will be a natural extension to her work as vice-chair of The Children's Society

Bishop Libby said, “I am delighted to be joining this team and look forward to working with Bishop Rachel and Bishop Michael with other partners working across the criminal justice system. I have a particular passion to see restorative justice leading to transformed lives with meaningful integration and contribution to community. Sharing with this team complements the work I currently engage with through The Children’s Society in our shared commitment to the most vulnerable, and at risk, children and young people in our land.”

The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, will support with the male estate and bring his experience of being in a diocese with a number of prisons.

The Team will work closely with the Revd Helen Dearnley, HMPPS Anglican Chaplaincy Advisor.

Bishop Rachel said, “I will be involved across the breadth of the prison estate, but I am hoping that this collaborative approach will enable more prisons to be visited and will provide deeper insight and shared learning. We will of course be working in close liaison with bishops in every diocese where prisons are situated and who remain responsible for the licensing and everyday pastoral care of their Anglican prison chaplains.”

The new episcopal prison team marked the beginning of their work together on Thursday 29 July 2021 with a joint visit to the Diocese of Lichfield where each visited separate prisons.

Bishop Rachel visited HMP Featherstone and HMP Oakwood; Bishop Michael visited HMP Brinsford and Bishop Libby visited HMP Werrington.

Over the last few years Bishop Rachel was Bishop for Women’s Prisons and has undertaken a huge amount in campaigning for prison reform and community rehabilitation for women in the criminal justice system, or at risk of offending.  She now wants to develop that collaborative way of working.

Last modified on Tuesday, 14 September 2021 13:12

This article was adapted from original text by Sarah Lacey, parisioner at St Giles, Hartington.

St Giles’ Church sits dreaming quietly in the beautiful village of Hartington, and has done so since around 1250 AD.

This is not to say that it hasn't had some lively moments, I'm sure it has, but none in my time of some 20 years as a resident.

How we have prayed for a change to come, for the Holy Spirit to take notice and 'do' something, anything even, to create life, energy and purpose for God within and without this slumbering church.

Guess what? Something has gradually been changing over the last few years, new shoots have sprouted in the form of new church goers moving into the village.

In each we see gifts put to willing use in the service of God, through the Spirit - it's exciting!

There is a problem, (isn't there always?!), we don't have a vicar, we are in 'vacancy', and have been for some time.

In fact, for me, it is the fourth time of being without the person in a dog collar, the visible presence of God's servant within the community that everyone wants to see and take tea with.

Does it matter? Yes, of course it does, but you can, we have learnt over the years, manage very well if you have someone to share the load with, and this time there is a team of ‘someones’ who are willing and able to step up and become a committed group of lay people, prepared to help and enable us to grow.

As Paul said in his letter to the Romans (12:6): ‘We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us.’

The team committed to offering a regular time of worship on a Sunday.

Between us we deliver two family type services every month, and we plague other vicars and retired clergy (PTOs) to undertake the other two Sundays, one to offer Holy Communion, which recharges our spiritual batteries beautifully, the other to bring some variety and friendly support, for which we say a big ‘thank you’ to the priest concerned.

 

Mission Action Plan

We dug out our 2011 version of MAP (Mission Action Plan) and updated it with realistic challenges and plans, having first canvassed as many people as possible for their opinions, which we listened to.

We established a rota, we bulked up our PCC with some new blood and we established a pastoral team.

The pandemic has shown on numerous occasions how important regular outreach is, especially in our rural farming community.

There is a great deal of isolation and loneliness, masked by pride and the words, 'I don't want to be a nuisance / burden / trouble to anyone,' if we do but take time to be that good neighbour Jesus calls us to be and take notice. 

hartington street worship 16x9 1500

We held a thoroughly enjoyable Rogation service last month, 40 people joined us on our 'worship walkabout’, and the farmer, at whose farm we stopped to read scripture and pray, is still talking about it... in a good way!

We are creating a 'Walk of Words' around our church yard, an idea first developed at St Oswald’s, Ashbourne, which we are gratefully adapting as something creative for the many visitors that come to the village, to read and perhaps encounter Christ, as they do so, alongside the many wildflowers and far-reaching views that our church yard offers them. 

 

A pilgrim church

St Giles is a pilgrim church, on the pilgrim way from Ilam to Eyam, many people pre-pandemic, visited the church to get their little books stamped, we always welcomed them and look forward to doing so again soon.

It seems wrong not to have the door to God’s house open every day, as was our custom, but that is how it is just now. Strange times!

hartington rogation walk 16x9 1500

However, we are not wasting time, there is much to do, a new heating system for one thing, followed by a kitchen (we are known for our cakes after services with a cup of 'proper' coffee and lots of chat, which we miss very much!) and loos must happen, they really must.

 

The essential people - and their skills!

This leads neatly on to the essential people we are blessed to have, those who are good with money, our treasurer is one, every PCC needs one of those!

Other skills recently discovered include, skilled engineers, singers, readers, fundraisers, trained safeguarding officer, artists and multi-taskers and planners - one of whom supplied this quote when asked where they see God at work: 'Right here - encouraging and building up our Church family, both in numbers and faith, so that we can serve the community that we are in, being both light and salt.'

Another: 'By showing God’s love in action we are building new confidence in God.'

We want to be good listeners, who are rooted within the community, visible and active, carrying out jobs for God, with love, humour and compassion.

None of these require a vicar, but it will be good to have one somewhere, sometime soon, please God, to teach, nourish, support and lead us, someone to share things with, someone we can grow with, oh, and someone who can take the weddings and baptisms, because much as we would like to, we are not allowed to!

We have learnt to think outside our boxes, to listen to others, to try to create a sense of belonging within our growing congregation, to believe that if God wants us to do something He will show us how, and He does, thank you Lord.

Our story continues...

hartington view 16x9 1500

Learn more about St Giles Hartington at: www.hartingtonchurch.org

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:54

Bishop Libby has been encouraging us all to pray ahead of Sunday's Euro 2020 final between England and Italy.

Over the past few days, Bishop Libby, who is the Church of England's designated bishop for sport, has appeared on BBC East Midlands Today, BBC Radio Derby and BBC Radio 5Live to relect on the tournament and to pray for fairness and respect during England's semi-final match against Denmark and Sunday's final between England and Italy.

(Video courtesy BBC East Midlands Today)

 

Here is a prayer you can use ahead of Sunday's final:

 

God of grace and mercy,

for all that gives us joy and offers us hope,

we give you thanks.

We rejoice that we are brought together,

across our rich and vibrant diversity, in celebration and shared experience  -

and we pray the goodness of all that will last long beyond Sunday

(whatever the result).

You know the desires of our hearts,

and we know those hopes are echoed in hearts across Italy,

as they were in Denmark and Spain over these past few days.

And so, as we turn to you again in prayer,

we do not ask for victory (though we are honest in naming that want it) –

rather we ask, one more, that striving for excellence

will be marked by humility and fair play

and rooted in respect for others, on and of the pitch.

May our desire to win not overwhelm our common humanity

and may we, finally, find our hope and peace in you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Last modified on Friday, 09 July 2021 16:16

Bishop Libby has ordained 15 new deacons and eight new priests in the Petertide ordination services at Derby Cathedral.

>> See photos from the ordinations of deacons (on Flickr)

>> See photos from the ordinations of priests (on Flickr)

>> Meet the new deacons

Those ordained deacon were:

Becky Reeve (Walbrook Epiphany Team Ministry)
Bex Allpress (Swadlincote & Hartshorne, Newhall & Gresley)
Charlotte Wallington (Hathersage with Bamford & Derwent, & Grindleford)
Chris Nowak (Whitfield)
Ellie Launders-Brown (East Scarsdale Team Ministry)
Gill Ball (Newbold)
James Lee (Stanton-by-Dale with Dale Abbey & Risle
Jeff Golding (St Werburgh BMO, Derby)
John Ferguson (St Barnabas, Derby)
Julius Anozie (St Mary, Ilkeston & St John Ilkeston)
Melanie Hartley (Baslow & Eyam)
Mike Fitzsimmons (Barlborough & Clowne)
Nick Parish (St Peter & Christ Church with Holy Trinity, Derby)
Rachel Burdett (Christ Church, Belper with Turnditch)
Sam Dennis (All Saints, Sawley)

and those ordained priest were: 

Alan Winfield (Melbourne, Ticknall, Smisby & Stanton-by-Bridge)
Catrin Hubbard (Buxton with Burbage & King Sterndale Team Ministry)
Kate Smedley (St Werburgh, Spondon)
Malcolm Pyatt (Brimington)
Nicola McNally (Tideswell)
Rachael Brooks (Littleover and Blagreaves)
Sandra Till (Alvaston)
Sharon Murphy (Derwent Oak BMO)

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:47

Canon Carolyn Lewis has been invited by the Rt Rev Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, after consultation and agreement, to lead the work of Derby Diocesan Board of Education for an interim period, initially for a year from September 2021.

Carolyn is currently Diocesan Director of Education in Leicester, and will undertake this new role in addition to her role in the Diocese of Leicester. She will become one of the first  Executive Diocesan Directors of Education (DDE) in the Church of England, and this is a pioneering step for both Derby and Leicester’s education teams.

Through this partnership working both dioceses will be exploring how to be innovative in supporting their respective Church school families and in placing schools at the heart of the Church’s mission. This is an exciting opportunity for both dioceses and shows commitment to our values of generosity and creativity.

Bishop Libby said: “ Our Church Schools are examples of the good news of the Kingdom of God: their work and life are at the heart of the Diocese of Derby. I am delighted that Carolyn has agreed to take on leading our Board of Education through this next season, sharing her experience of leadership and passion for Christ across both the Diocese of Derby and the Diocese of Leicester.”

Having grown up in Warwickshire, Carolyn began her teaching there before moving to schools in Leicestershire. Carolyn has been the DDE in the Diocese of Leicester since 2014. Before that she was a headteacher in a Voluntary Aided primary school supporting  a rapid journey of improvement there.

During this time, her leadership extended to executive headship, working with a Teaching School and inspecting for Ofsted and SIAMS.

Carolyn is supported by her family; husband Seth, two boys and Rosie the cockapoo. Having been to university in Wales and being married to a Welshman, life is infused with a Celtic flavour – namely Welsh rugby, RS Thomas, singing and holidays in Wales!”

On hearing of her new role, Carolyn Lewis commented: “I cherish my vocation as Director of Education and feel extraordinarily privileged to be supporting the work of Church schools across both the Diocese of Derby and the Diocese of Leicester.

"When I was a headteacher at a Church school, after some years I was asked to be an executive headteacher and lead another school. As I took on that particular professional challenge, I wondered what might be lost. Yet, I was surprised by the fact that over time, both schools gained so much from this way of working. And so, I am excited at the possibilities for what this partnership may bring.

“For Church schools to be distinctively Christ-like is a challenging task for school leaders, governors and clergy. Please pray for me and the DBE teams as we work to encourage and inspire our schools – now across both Derby and Leicester Dioceses - to meet that challenge with courage and conviction.”

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:49

For the first time, you can now see the inside of All Saints' Church in Mackworth, which was devatated by fire in December.

The images show the scale of the destruction caused by the heat and flames of the blaze.

Whilst the tower was largely unaffected, the nave and chancel were almost completely destroyed, including the roof.

revd jacqueline stober talking to journalists

However, a number of artefacts survived and some of these have already been sent to experts for restoration.

The work has also revealed a crypt that was not known about.

Revd Jacqueline Stober, vicar of All Saints, said: "Although the destruction is devastating, we also have to be thankful for what is left.

"The work that has been carried out to clear the debris and salvage those artefacts that survived is remarkable.

"Some of the silver, the chalices that we used to use in Holy Communion, have survived.

"The archaeologists have found the four-foot silver cross we used to have on the altar in the chancel and the wedding registers have also been found (they were in a safe) and although they are a charred mess and didn't survive very well, they have been sent to a specialist who will be able to recreate them.

"It's great to see that there is still some of this building that we can do something with - and it will still be a place of worship in another thousand years."

some of the artefacts slavaged at mackworth all saints

The images of the church's interior follow months of clearance work and the stabilisation of the site - phase one of the project.

The next phase will be to make the building watertight and the PCC will be seeing presentations from contractors in the coming weeks.

Most of the funding for the work carried out so far has been provided by the church's insurers, Ecclesiastical.

Claims Director Jeremy Trott said: "The money is there to rebuild the church, but it's obviously up to the PCC to decide what they do and don't want to do."

It is hoped all the work might be complete by Christmas 2023. 

charred timbers inside mackworth all saints

inside the nave and chancel of mackworth all saints

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:46

Bishop Libby is supporting Christian Aid Week by taking part in the 300,000 steps for May challenge - and invites you to join her!

The idea is simple: take 300,000 sponsored steps across the month of May to raise vital funds for communities battling the worst of this climate crisis. 

The challenge clocks in at just under 10,000 steps a day and you can do the challenge alone or with a team, supporting each other to reach your goal. 

Whether you decide to walk, jump, skip, hop or run your steps is completely up to you!

Bishop L:ibby said: “Together with my family, I’m supporting 300,000 steps for May challenge for Christian Aid.

"Through this event, we get to enjoy the benefits of better physical and mental health and enjoy our local communities and countryside but, most of all, we hope to raise awareness and encourage people to contribute to Christian Aid’s fundraiser to raise vital funds for communities battling the worst of this climate crisis.”

For more information, see the Christian Aid website.

Last modified on Wednesday, 02 June 2021 10:35

The Diocese of Derby has welcomed two key appointments to help shape diocesan ministries as we look to the future.

The Revd Dwayne Engh joins as the new Ordained Ministries Development Officer and Jo Henderson-Merrygold is the new Lay Ministries Development Officer and Warden of Readers.

Jo writes:

I have come into this role to champion, celebrate, and enable lay ministries across the diocese.

I am a Methodist Local Preacher and lay theologian, who is just putting the finishing touches to a Biblical Studies PhD at the University of Sheffield.

These experiences have built my passion for lay ministry – and I look forward to opportunities to celebrate its diverse forms.

My own experience includes pioneer projects, mission enabling, chaplaincy, and lay pastoring. I have already been warmly welcomed by the Readers and am grateful for their understanding of a Methodist in the mix!

I am looking forward continuing to get to know those currently serving in lay ministries: to hear your joys and successes, challenges and learning points.

I plan to work with colleagues across the diocese to celebrate our achievements – big and small – and to share the wealth of our experiences with one another.

In fact, I hope to host a festival of lay ministries as soon as possible.

I trust and pray that this will increase our confidence in what we are already doing, give us opportunities to develop further, and encourage others to offer their gifts and skills too.

Then, alongside colleagues in the Discipleship, Ministries and Mission Team, I will continue to resource and enable these ministries to grow and flourish.

In the meantime, if you have any queries don’t hesitate to get in touch: jo.henderson-merrygold@derby.anglican.org.


Dwayne will be looking after IME2 (curate training) and CMD (continuing ministerial development). 

He writes: 

I was born in Vancouver but raised mostly in Calgary (Canada) – and have been blessed with a wide range of opportunities/previous careers as a composer, conductor, percussionist, and educator (both secondary and post-secondary in Calgary, Shanghai, and London).

I have been in the UK since 2009 and was ordained in 2015 in the Church of England, having trained to be a priest at Westcott House. 

My previous dwelling place was in the Diocese of Coventry, where I was vicar of St Mary Magdalen Church, Chapelfields. 

Within the wider diocese, I was on Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod. 

Additionally, I was an Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands and the Ministerial Development Associate, supporting clergy training in that diocese. 

I also love being a Spiritual Director and accompanying people on their journey with God. 

My last service in Coventry was Easter Sunday and I’m already missing presiding/preaching. 

I’d love to get to know the diocese better and offer myself as cover (up to twice a month at most) if anyone needs to take time off or people are in vacancy.  Please feel free to contact me if you might be interested in that!

I appreciate the warm welcome I’ve already received since I’ve moved into Derby and look forward to serving the people of this diocese with you!

You can contact me by email: dwayne.engh@derby.anglican.org

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:46

“Things are not good at all. People are dying due to lack of oxygen and hospital beds. Corridors of hospitals are full. The poor not even getting an ambulance to take their dead to do the last rites. Many are just burning them on roadsides. Scary and terrible times. Please pray for us. Our hope and trust are in the Lord alone. Please convey my regards to all my Derby friends.” 
Message from the Church of North India in Delhi. 

The Bishop of Repton, the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, has dedicated a prayer station in Derby Cathedral which will be a focus for prayers for the people of India, who are suffering devastating consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Churches in Derbyshire, including the Diocese of Derby, have strong links with the Church of North India, particularly with Kolkata.

Bishop Malcolm was joined by the Sub-dean of Derby, Canon Elizabeth Thomson, and Revd Anita Matthews, who chairs the partnership between Derbyshire Churches and The Church of North India.

Bishop Malcolm lights a candle

Bishop Malcolm said: “The Diocese of Derby has, for a long time, had strong links with the Church of North India and schools there and it is heartbreaking to hear some of the stories coming from the people and regions we are connected with.

“The problems there at the moment are huge – they are sometimes institutional and structural, but they are also deeply personal. Hearing of people dying and having to be cremated at the roadside is horrific, particularly when India has done so much for other countries in helping to produce vaccines.

“This terrible situation is one that is moving people of all faiths to pray. We pray that God will bring resurrection and hope and life, and freedom from this horrific pandemic very soon.

“And we want people of Indian heritage here in Derby and Derbyshire to know that we stand in solidarity them in prayer for their friends and families in India.”

The Revd Anita Matthews has visited parts of the Diocese of Kolkata on a number of occasions.

Revd Anita Matthews

She said: “The accounts I have been sent are truly heartbreaking – not least because, although it is affecting the whole of Indian society, it is, as ever, the poorest of the poor who are suffering the most because they can’t afford to access any kind of medical care.

“It is our colleagues in the Church of North India who are trying to reach out to those people to offer some kind of support and hope by providing vaccination programmes and food for families who have lost loved ones and have no income, or because they are in lockdown and cannot work.

Some of the messages I have received from our long-standing friends and ecumenical partners in India have summed up the desperation there – and yet in the midst of it, they are saying ‘We pray for you in Derby and Derbyshire’ and that they place their faith in God alone. That faith is absolutely extraordinary.”

The prayer stationat Derby Cathedral features messages from people in India and some beautiful Indian cloths, fashioned by Indian artists and craftspeople, depicting the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.

Elizabeth Thomson with an Indian cloth depicting the garden of Gethsemone

Canon Elizabeth Thomson, Sub-dean of Derby said: “We are aware of how important it is to have a place of prayer in the city at this time, and we are aware of how very multicultural the praying life of the people who come into the cathedral is.

"So, in a time when people can feel very cut off and unable to help, we wanted to say that there is a space where you can come to say a prayer and be connected with other people who are doing the same.

“We invite people of all faiths and none to visit and take time to pray in Derby Cathedral for the people of India – not only those who are worst affected, but those who are also helping to give comfort, hope and support.”

Indian cloth in Derby Cathedral depicting the Last Supper

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:53

Malcolm Macnaughton has been installed as the Bishop of Repton in a special Evensong at Derby Cathedral.

>> Watch the installation (YouTube)

During the same Evensong, the Revd Nicky Fenton, formerly Vicar of Shottle, Holbrook, and Hazelwood and Milford, was installed as Residentiary Canon as she takes up her new role as Chaplain to the Bishop of Derby.

canon nicky fenton in derby cathedral

>> See more photos from the installation [Flickr]

Bishop Malcolm’s installation followed his consecration as bishop at Lambeth Palace on Wednesday, 14th April

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, presided, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, was the preacher.

The Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, was present to receive Malcolm as the Bishop of Repton on behalf of the Diocese of Derby.

Covid restrictions meant that the original date for Malcolm’s consecration had to be postponed – and both his consecration and installation were subject to government restrictions and guidance.

bishop malcolm delivers the sermon

Bishop Malcolm delivered his first sermon as a bishop at his installation; Canon Nicky Fenton led the intercessions.

Malcolm said: “Over recent weeks I have enjoyed beginning to get to know colleagues lay and ordained from across the Diocese of Derby, but I am now really looking forward to making a proper start, especially as we will now be able to get out and meet people where they are.  I haven’t seen much of Derbyshire yet because of the restrictions, so it is going to be so good to be able to visit communities and churches all over the diocese in the coming months.”

“Despite the struggles of the past year the reality is that each day, transformed by our encounter with our risen Lord Jesus Christwe can find hope for the future, for our churches, for our communities. The Kingdom of God is good news for all – and we are called to proclaim that Kingdom afresh in our generation. There is plenty to encourage us – and there will be much more! Please pray for me as I join you in this, our shared calling.

A key focus for Malcolm’s ministry will be to support those engaged in church revitalisation especially through church planting and fresh expressions, particularly with areas of deprivation.

He will also give an episcopal lead to our work across the diocese with young people, schools and with the Derby Diocesan Board of Education. 

Malcolm has background of working in rural, inner city and post-mining areas, and with archdeacons and area deans and their teams he will ensure we work well together to equip and enable local people, lay and ordained, to proclaim the good news of Christ in our diverse communities across the diocese.

Bishop Malcolm and Canon Nicky Fenton

Since moving to Derby in December, Malcolm has been working under licence from the Bishop of Derby, the Right Revd Libby Lane.

Bishop Libby said: “Malcolm brings, out of his own deep commitment to sharing the love of Jesus and seeking first the Kingdom of God, a rich and varied experience of ministry

"We welcome his particular gifts in accompanying people hopefully through change, and his passion for reaching those on the margins, and younger generations.

"We have been delighted to welcome Malcolm and Pam among us-we pray that the people and places of Derbyshire and Derby will be a blessing to them, as they will be a blessing to us.” 

the bishop of derby, the bishop of repton, the dean of derby and canon nicky fenton

Bishop Libby (rear) presided at the Evensong; Dean Peter Robinson (front) led the service.

>> See more photos from the installation [Flickr]

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:50

The Revd Dr Elizabeth Thomson has been appointed as Rector and Provost of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, in the Diocese of Brechin in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Elizabeth joined Derby Cathedral in 2014 as Canon Missioner and was appointed Sub-dean in 2018.

The Dean of Derby, the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, said: “We are delighted that Elizabeth has been selected as the new Provost of Dundee and she leaves with our thanksgiving to God for her seven years as our Canon Missioner.

"Elizabeth will be much missed here in Derby. I know that Elizabeth will in the years to come enrich the city of Dundee and the Diocese of Brechin with her many gifts, not least her creativity, capacity for outreach and pastoral insight.

"Our greetings and prayers to all in the Scottish Episcopal Church who will undoubtedly enjoy Elizabeth’s ministry in the years to come.”

Elizabeth said: “It has been a privilege to be here for seven years, working with excellent colleagues in the cathedral and the diocese and learning so much from the whole cathedral community.

"I am looking forward to new challenges in Dundee but I will be sad to say goodbye to Derby Cathedral.”

Elizabeth’s last service at Derby Cathedral will be the Cathedral Eucharist on Sunday, 6 June 2021. She will be installed in a special service in St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, on Saturday 19th June.

Elizabeth was a teacher of English before being ordained in 2003.

She trained for ministry at Westcott House in Cambridge and served her curacy in Somerset.

Following her curacy, she became team vicar of St Mary’s, Witney, in Oxfordshire.

She has been responsible for helping Derby Cathedral connect with the city and community, for communications, and for a wide range of duties as part of the cathedral clergy team.

During a recent vacancy, she led the cathedral as acting dean. 

Elizabeth grew up in Edinburgh; she has been working her way steadily north again and is looking forward to being closer to family and friends in Scotland.

St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee is the cathedral church of the Scottish Episcopal Diocese of Brechin. 

The historical diocese dates back to circa 1150 with the cathedral then in the City of Brechin—this building has been a Church of Scotland parish church since the reformation. 

The church building in Dundee, founded by Bishop Alexander Penrose Forbes, was completed in 1855 and became the cathedral church in 1905. 

Scottish Episcopal cathedrals are led by a senior cleric styled ‘Provost’ rather than ‘Dean’ - in Scotland the Dean of the Diocese is a senior cleric appointed by the bishop to be a member of chapter and deputy to the bishop. 

The provost of the cathedral is also the rector of the cathedral congregation, reflecting the status of the cathedral church as both cathedral and incumbency.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:56

Today, Bishop–designate Malcom and I, join with the whole United Kingdom, and friends across the world, in expressing our sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. 

Though sorrowful and grieving, we give thanks to God for his long life, dedicated service to the nation and Commonwealth, and unfailing support to Her Majesty The Queen, for 73 years. 

After so many decades in public service, I expect we will each have a memory or image of Prince Philip – perhaps alongside Her Majesty, engaged and enquiring in every circumstance, as they travelled the globe, or as he championed causes close to his heart, for example, in conservation, design and engineering, and inter-faith dialogue, or of the legacy he has left for young people through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

As the Archbishop of Canterbury has said: “Prince Philip consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service. As we recover and rebuild after the terrible trial of the coronavirus pandemic, we will need fortitude and a deep sense of commitment to serving others … I pray we can take inspiration from his example”.

His commitment to our Queen and our nation has been total, and I know you will join us in sending our sincere condolences to Her Majesty and the Royal Family, with the assurance of our prayers as they grieve.

We pray they know the comfort and peace of the risen Christ in their loss. 

May His Royal Highness rest in peace and rise in glory.

 

Prayer

God of our lives, 
we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, 
for the love he shared among us,   
and for his devotion to duty.  
We entrust him now to your love and mercy, 
through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
Amen.


>> Guidance For parishes

>> Live coverage from BBC News

>> Add your message to the online Book of Condolence

Last modified on Friday, 09 April 2021 17:57

Church buildings are not currently required to close and there is currently no obligation for churches to re-open in the event of a royal death. It will remain at the discretion of individual PCCs.

Private prayer should not be discouraged for those who feel the need to do this in a church building, but social distancing MUST be maintained for as long as the government restrictions dictate.

Having received one or more doses of the vaccine does not exclude anyone from adhering to the rules.

People should not be allowed to gather in groups.

Any church that wishes to consider re-opening MUST submit a risk assessment and have it approved by their archdeacon prior to opening.

Churches that are already open for private prayer etc may experience an increase in numbers and in some cases it may be necessary for them to re-assess their arrangements to allow for the increase. This may necessitate additional marshalling in and around the building.

 

Condolence books 

An online condolence book is now open for individuals and communities to record messages. Government guidance under the current Covid-19 precautions is that physical books should not be offered.

Flags

Flags should be flown at half-mast during the mourning period(the correct procedure is to lower flags completely and then raise them to half-mast).

Flower Tributes 

Visitors should not be allowed to leave flowers inside church buildings as this maybe a route for infection.  Flower tributes outside should also be discouraged.

Bells 

Guidance on how and when bells should be tolled will come from the cabinet office in due course, and we will share this information to you as soon as we are ableon this page.

Last modified on Friday, 09 April 2021 17:52

Easter was, again, a little different this year.

The usual plethora of events in churches and communities was much scaled-back because of the prevailing Covid restrictions.

However, the Easter message remained the same and some were able to hold worship and a limited range of events.

Here are a few that caught our eye.

 

Messages from the minster

Swadlincote Minster went virtual for Easter Day. Revd Mike Firbank told us: "The vicar was only needed at the beginning, but he was involved in the background throughout the planning. This service included some special messages from friends of the church." They shared messages, stories, songs, prayers and bread together.


Virtual Experience Easter

Revd Becky Mathew, vicar of St Nicholas' Allestree & St Paul's Quarndon, told us that they filmed a virtual Experience Easter for schools this year.

Both church and non-church schools took them up on the offer, including The Curzon CofE, Mugginton CofE, Portway Infants, Portway Juniors and Denby. They used the videos and suggested craft/prayer activiites.

>> See the full Experience Easter


Overseal's ringers

St Matthew’s church, Overseal, brought its Easter Day bell-ringing activies firmly down to earth. June Hart, secretary to the church council, told us: "Nothing stops our bellringers... the tower isn’t accessible so they stood outside and rang the handbells before the start of the service this morning. It was just wonderful!"


Easter Garden

Bishop Libby and her family created their own Easter Garden - complete with roll-away stone - to illustrate the Easter story. Bishop Libby used it in her Easter video message.

 

Happy Christmas!



[This video e-card has sound]

With grateful thanks to Florence and her family and to Christ Church Belper

 

With blessings for a safe and peaceful Christmas
From Kate Godfrey, Diocesan Secretary,
and all at the Parish Support Office.

 


What's your Easter story? Share it with us - communications@derby.anglican.org

 

Last modified on Wednesday, 07 April 2021 17:27
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