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The Avenue Church of England Primary School Application Approved!

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) is delighted to announce that the Department for Education has approved an application to establish a new Church of England primary school at The Avenue development site, near to Wingerworth.

The new school will be developed as part of the Government’s Free School programme.

It will create much needed nursery and primary school places for families as the number of residential dwellings on The Avenue site increases alongside other developments in the local area.

The proposed Church of England primary school and nursery will be inclusive and open to pupils from families of all backgrounds and faiths (including no faith) where every child will be welcomed, respected and nurtured.

The school will offer a family-friendly approach with breakfast club and after-school provision offering a wide range of enrichment activities, operating as a community hub and supporting community cohesion.

DDAT is a multi-academy trust of 28 schools situated across Derby and Derbyshire and has a successful track-record of working with schools (including in the Chesterfield area) to improve provision.

In September 2018, DDAT successfully opened the first Church of England secondary school within the Diocese of Derby when Derby Cathedral School opened its doors to its first cohort of students.

DDAT has the experience of both rapidly improving schools and supporting established high-performing schools. DDAT is excited to create this new provision and will ensure the new primary school at the Avenue is a success from day 1.

Chief Executive Officer of DDAT, Mark Mallender, said: “I am thrilled that the Department for Education has approved our application for a new primary school and nursery serving the Wingerworth and Clay Cross areas of Chesterfield.

"We now have the opportunity to work with parents and the community to develop a highly effective school that will ensure our pupils make exceptional progress and leave fully prepared for their secondary education.

"The DDAT team are ready and excited to begin detailed work on developing this school and will ensure that plans are shared with the community as part of future consultations.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “We’ve worked with Derby Diocesan Academy Trust on planning for this school and I’m sure that they will do an excellent job in getting it built and ready for the students who will attend.

“It’s great to see the government supporting the council in investing in first-class educational facilities to help give children and young people in Derbyshire the best possible start in life.”

The Trust will start planning its pre-opening programme, including consultations and events in the local area, leading up to the opening of the school.

The Trust will share its programme as soon as it is developed and agreed with its strategic partners including the Department for Education and Derbyshire County Council.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:48

The creative ways that people in our parishes have found to help people during the pandemic has been wide-ranging. Here's the story of how one parish has taken to YouTube to helpbuild community, grow church and transform lives.

Covid Island Discs was the brainchild of Revd Ian Webb, team vicar in Dronfield with Holmesfield Team Ministry, and he has been producing an episode of this popular feature for 12 weeks.

“Having only been licenced in November, I was thinking about how I could help people get something from worship using video,” said Ian.

“But it was also about building community connections and people getting to know one another.

“There was also an element of testimony in there too – how did I become a Christian and what is my role and purpose?”

As the title reveals, the idea is based on the popular BBC Radio 4 series of a similar name.

Ian has approached people of different genders and background to feature in his programmes and give something of themselves and their faith.

They include local curate Joel Bird, Archdeacon Carol, Bishop Libby and American country music and Christian music singer-songwriter Jenn Bostic (pictured) who, last year, performed at Dronfield parish church.

covid island discs jenn bostic

Guests have also included some who have recently come to faith.

Ian said: ” What I have done is to approach people and then send them some instructions.

They choose five pieces of music and send me a biography and we see how the conversation goes from there.

“I have a standard set of five questions I ask – including how they came to faith and how they have coped in these times of Covid – and, of course, they also get to tell me about any particular items they would not want to be without on Covid Island.

“And some of their answers have surprised me. One of the things I ask is ‘When did it feel great to be a Christian?’

"I had expected people to tell me about a particular single event, but mostly the guests have talked about being in the rhythm of Christianity and the sustenance that comes from that.

“But the answers are varied, as one guest talked about the time his granddaughter was seriously ill and, being away on holiday, all he could do was to pray.

"His granddaughter went on to make a remarkable recovery – and that was a significant moment in his Christian journey.”

“Music choices have been interesting too!

"For example, there was a big difference between Archdeacon Carol’s classical choices and some of Jenn’s choices which might have had you jumping around and going crazy!”

Ian says that the response has been fantastic and that he has had plenty of positive feedback, but that the current series will finish just before Lent: “I wanted to help people to worship – we are weakened as a church because we have not been able to sing together, and this series has hopefully helped and encouraged some to do that and to worship God.

“It is a time-consuming process – mainly because of the editing – but I would do it again if people wanted it.

"I think it has been of value and I believe it has helped people during lockdown.”
---------------------------
Catch up on all the episodes of Covid Island Discs on YouTube.

covid island discs youtube

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:57

Revd Karen Bradley, vicar of Holy Trinity, Shirebrook, has  praised a group of Year 11 students’ handiwork after they built and installed a brand-new noticeboard outside the church door to keep her parishioners in the know.

She said that the noticeboard, which was made and installed by students at Shirebrook Academy, is a “thing of beauty”.

The students took on the task as part of their practical foundation studies, assisted by design technology teachers Simon Dosanjh and Simon Langrick, who guided them through the process from building the noticeboard out of wood and then sanding and staining it to give it the finished look.

They then visited the church to fix it into position.

Karen Bradley said: “We had a noticeboard installed previously, but it had certainly passed its sell-by date and a bit of an eyesore, but the new noticeboard is a thing of beauty and hopefully it will be used more than the previous one was.

“I want to thank the students for all their hard work, it was such a wonderful thing for them to do for us, a real blessing, and it’s brilliant to see the students discovering how the things they learn at school apply to the community.”

Student Thomas, 15, said: “I really enjoyed doing something different for the community and helping people out, but it was also cold installing the noticeboard and getting it level was a challenge.”

Claire Armstrong, head of design technology at Shirebrook Academy, said: “It was really nice as a department to do something practical and contribute to the community.

"We’re in the midst of really uncertain times, because social distancing rules means we can’t do as much practical work as usual, but this project was able to go ahead and allowed us to give something back to the parish after they generously donated some bibles to the school’s Philosophy and Ethics department.”

Noticeboard

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:51

Derby Cathedral will revert to online-only worship from Sunday, 10th January.

The Very Revd Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, made the announcement in a letter to the cathedral community.

He wrote:

Services will be led by a small group of clergy and laity and streamed through our social media channels.

It is heartening to know that the safety measures we already have in place mean that this group can involve the Lay Clerks of Derby Cathedral Choir, so that our services will include music. 

The cathedral will remain open for private individual prayer during the week, and we will be adding to our programme of activities and worship available online, making more resources of all kinds available to the cathedral community and the diocese.

>> Visit the Derby Cathedral website

These arrangements will be kept under review. We hope that in coming weeks or months we will see success in the measures everyone is taking against this pandemic and improvement in the public health situation locally.

For some of you this will be somewhat of a relief. For others it will be a cause of disappointment.

As I write, this is not the message that earlier in the week I had anticipated sending.

The new lockdown has not made it compulsory for places of worship to close their doors. Church leaders have been clear that this means decisions can be made locally about what the right response is to the situation we are in. 

You will be aware that the public health situation in Derby is very serious. Following government and Church of England guidance, and after consulting with public health authorities in Derby, we have decided that at present the right response is to limit as much as possible any physical gathering of people. 

Although I regret the need to take this decision, it is I believe the right one in current circumstances. To serve the common good we need to make this temporary and timely sacrifice, so that before too long we can all gather for worship again.

Please continue to join with the whole cathedral community in prayer for our nation’s key decision makers at this deeply challenging time.

Especially, let's pray for those who are struggling with a Covid-19 infection and remember those who have lost loved ones as a result.

We pray for all those in the NHS who are serving so valiantly against all the odds in the midst of so many challenges.

This comes with every blessing to you all, the prayers of the cathedral team and my very good wishes.

peter robinson

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:57

The end of 2020 saw the Venerable Dr Christopher Cunliffe bid farewell to the diocese after 14 years as the Archdeacon of Derby.

At a special Evensong at Derby Cathedral, he was joined by members of his family, colleagues and friends. The service was also streamed online.

In his sermon, Archdeacon Christopher said: "Fourteen years ago, standing in the pulpit here to preach the sermon at my installation service, I looked out over a sea of unfamiliar faces, broken by the occasional welcome outcrop of recognition. 

"Now, in rather different circumstances, I feel surrounded and upheld by friends and colleagues, even if the encouraging smiles are more difficult to determine [because of the need to wear face masks]. 

"Thank you for being here, whether in person or online and for the companionship and patience you, and the people you represent, have afforded me over the years."

He was presented with gifts from the diocese and the cathedral.

christopher cunliffe retirement service at Derby Cathedral

Peter Robinson, the Dean of Derby, thanks Archdeacon Christopher for his service and enlists the help of Christopher's grandchildren to present gifts from the cathedral

Bishop Libby thanked him for his "extraordinary and dedicated service" to the Diocese of Derby.

She also recorded one of a series of videos, made by colleagues past and present, in tribute to Christopher.

Recollecting his collation as Archdeacon of Derby in 2006, Christopher said: "It's the longest time I have been in a job. Most (within the Church) are fixed-term contracts - but it has given me the time to develop relationships which has been extremely important."

And using the words of Jonathan Bailey, a former Bishop of Derby, he described the diocese as a "diocese at ease with itself".

He said: "Being an archdeacon is very much a behind-the-scenes job. It is hard work but you are working with people who, if you take time with them, are incredibly amenable - they are intensely loyal to the parish church.

"The main part of our role is to help clergy be equipped for mission. In that respect, archdeacons aren't fathers or mothers like some senior clergy - instead we are the elder siblings."

Christopher began his ordained ministry in the Diocese of Derby. He was Assistant Curate at St Mary and All Saints Church in Chesterfield (the Crooked Spire) from 1983 to 1985.

christopher cunliffe old photos of his installation 

Christopher at his installation as Archdeacon of Derby and with Helen outside Derby Cathedral

He worked alongside his wife, Helen, who was also a curate at the church in one of the first job-share arrangements in the Church of England.

In 1985 he became Chaplain and Research Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, until 1989, when he became Chaplain of the City University and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. 

In 1991 he took a post in the Church of England’s Advisory Board of Ministry, which involved co-ordinating vocation and selection conferences for people seeking ordination. 

From 1997-2003 he was Director of Ministry in the Diocese of London, and from 2004-2006 Chaplain to the Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford.

Christopher and Helen, a former archdeacon, have two grown-up sons, Edward and Jacob. 

The African Bug

Christopher is a keen historian, with a doctorate in the subject and a continuing interest in research and writing. 

He also has an interest in African history and culture, and until recently was Chair of MANNA (Mozambique and Angola Anglican Association). 

His association with Africa came about in the 1990s when Helen, then as chair of USPG, took a sabatical in Zambia - and they were both bitten by the African bug.

They also visited Uganda and, in 1991, Christopher went to Mozambique through the Diocese of London.

In 1998 he was invited to becom the Chair of MANNA.

Drawing a comparison between the way the Church works there and here, Christopher said: "Angola is a country of 24 million people, though only around 150,000 Anglicans. But in some repects they are way ahead of us.

"There, they try not to emulate the English model of a diocese - they try to do things differently.

"For example, I remember one parish wanting to rebuild its church and the presentation on behalf of the PCC was given by a 15-year-old - many church officers there are in their teens or their 20s or 30s.

"It certainly helps give a different perspective on things."

christopher cunliffe with rowan williams

A young Christopher Cunliffe with and equally young Rowan Williams, later to become Archbishop of Canterbury

Christopher and Helen will live in Carmarthenshire, Wales, in the Diocese of St David's. Christopher said: "I don't speak Welsh even though we have had a house there for ten years. 

"We were also there when the first lockdown was announced earlier this year, so that is where we had to spend it."

In his retirement, Christopher aims to finish a book he started to write a while ago and plans to take up fly fishing, something he has "dabbled with" in the past.

He said: "There is much about Derbyshire and the Diocese of Derby I will miss - I have always felt at home at the churches I have visited.

"Whilst it is important to pay attention to the organisational and financial aspects, at a parish level life goes on and that is where the important work relating to communities and pastoral care etc, is done.

"This could actually be a time of significant change for the Diocese of Derby.

"The diocese knows what it is doing and is doing it well.

"Keep up the good work!"

christopher cunliffe with carol coslett

Christopher with fellow archdeacon, Carol Coslett, the Archdeacon of Chesterfield, following his retirement service

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:50

Be part of our Diocesan Christmas Carol video

There’s nothing quite like singing carols together at Christmas.

Sadly, this year, we can’t hold our usual carol services – so we’re going to try to make a special version of O Come, All Ye Faithful to get us all singing as a diocese, in the spirit of hope and togetherness … and we’d love you to take part, by videoing yourself(selves) singing this most well-known of carols!

How to take part [PDF] | Download the audio track [mp3] | Download the words [PDF]

 

Last modified on Wednesday, 16 December 2020 11:11
Fri, 4 December 2020

The fire that gutted All Saints' Church in Mackworth last night fire has resulted in severe damage to the building's interior.

Speaking to the BBC, Clive Stanbrook, area manager for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: "The roof has now completely fallen in on itself and the internal damage is extensive."

He added that the spire and the external walls are intact and fire crews had continued to ensure there was no further damage to the building late into the evening.

The fire was discovered just after 4.30pm on Thursday.

Six fire engines were sent to the scene including two ladder platforms.

Firefighters were able to protect the tower to a large extent, but were unable to save the nave roof.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.

Revd Jacqueline Stober, vicar of All Saints, said the fire had been deeply distressing for the churchwardens, congregation and the communities that had done so much for the church, but she was confident that worship would continue at the site in some form: "People have worshipped in this place for a thousand years and, somehow, worship will continue here for the next thousand years."

She also posted on Facebook: "As we stood on Lower Lane watching the roof burn, I was so struck by how much love there is out in the community for All Saints.

"I have had messages of condolence from across the country from people who have sent messages of prayer and support to us at this terrible time.

"The fire can’t touch our memories of Sunday school and youth group; the place we first heard that we were loved by God beyond measure; weddings; baptisms; funerals, summer fairs and Christmas tree festivals.

"All those life events brought to church to take place under the loving gaze of our Heavenly Father and in the company of those we love."

The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, praised the fire crews for their efforts and asked for prayers for all those affected by the fire.

She is expected to visit Mackworth at the weekend and to participate in a special service being planned near the site for Sunday morning.

mackworth fire js 5

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:55

Fire crews have been fighting a serious fire at Mackworth All Saints church.

The alarm was raised just after 4.30pm on Thursday (3 December).

Six fire engines were sent to the scene including two ladder platforms.

Firefighters were able to protect the tower to a large extent, but were unable to save the nave roof.

>> See video on Twitter

Mackworth All Saints, dating from the 12th century, lies to the north of the A52 road at the bottom of Church Lane.

Speaking from the scene, the vicar, Revd Jacqueline Stober, said: "It's a terrible scene and we don't yet know the full extent of the damage.

"I got a call from a churchwarden to say there was a fire and as I drove to the church I could see smoke and a glow on the horizon so I knew is was bad.

"This is horrible for all the congregation and for those who have looked after this church for many years - some have put their heart and soul into it."

The Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said: “With the congregations and community of Mackworth, I am shocked and deeply saddened by the fire at this beautiful building.

“This church has stood as a witness in this place to the Good News of Christ for centuries, and in the midst of our grief for this loss we remember that Jesus, who has been worshipped in that church for so long, is still with us even in the midst of this disaster.

“We are grateful for the courage of those who fought the fire and my thoughts and prayers are with them and all those affected.”

The present building was largely built in the 14th and 15th centuries, with additions in the 19th century and Derbyshire alabaster featuring prominently in the interior decoration.

The beauty of its setting has made it popular for weddings. 

Last modified on Friday, 04 December 2020 10:48
Last modified on Monday, 30 November 2020 16:25

For Advent, the people of Killamarsh have been invited to decorate windows and light up the North East Derbyshire village.

And in conjunction with the Killamarsh Christmas Community Project 2020 themed on Light, Love and Hope, Revd Helen Guest contacted local nursing homes, nurseries and schools offering Christmas resources.

The response has been extremely positive and plans are being made to distribute the gifts in early December.

The idea of the gifts has offered Light, Love and Hope.

St Giles’s Church will be offering Bethlehem Carol Sheets and CDs to the residents and staff of the two nursing homes, copies of My Mini Bible Sticker Book Christmas to 123 children who attend nursery and the 603 school children will receive ‘Meet the Cast’ booklets.

The CofE Comfort and Joy booklets will be distributed to the local community on behalf of St Giles.

Killamarsh Methodists are also supporting by handcrafting beautiful Christmas stars with a gift tag of Matthew 2:2: "We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship Him. May you find Christ’s peace, joy and fellowship this Christmas."

The stars will be given to the staff and residents of the nursing homes, nurseries, schools, and the St Giles community.

As part of the project, candles will be distributed across the village with enough for every key worker, as a thank you for being ‘lights of Killamarsh’ and continuing to shine through this pandemic.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:00

Prayer

Stir up, O Lord the wills of your faithful people;
That we, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of your good works
May by you be plenteously rewarded;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Archdeacon Carol’s Stir-Up Christmas Cake recipe:

Download the recipe [PDF]

Ingredients:
500g Boiled Mixed Fruit (represents Giving / Talents / gifts)
250g Butter / Margarine (represents Caring / sharing)
400g Sugar (represents Joy and Happiness)
Mixed spice / nutmeg (represents Holiness / treasures)
Cherries (represents Kindness)
3 Eggs (represents Hope / New Birth)
500g Flour (represents Love / Friendship)
Milk (represents Faith / Strength)

Method:
Boil up the mixed fruit in a saucepan for 5 mins.
Use a colander to remove the water and add the fruit to a large mixing bowl.
Add the butter cut up into small cubes, stir until melted.
Add sugar and stir.
Add 2 teaspoons of spices and cherries.
Add 3 eggs seperately and stir in well.
Add flour gradually and keep stirring until a consistent mixture.
Add milk to mix and stir.
Bake in a lined, square 8-inch cake tin for 1 hour 30 min, at 150 - 180 C / gas mark 2 - 3 depending on type of oven.
When cool, cover and place in a sealed tin to mature.
Ice with marzipan and white icing, decorate as preferred.

Last modified on Tuesday, 15 December 2020 17:21

Canon Linda Wainscot, formerly Director of Education for the Diocese of Coventry, will take up the position as Interim Diocesan Director of Education for two days a week during the Spring term 2021

Also, Dr Alison Brown will continue to support headteachers and schools, offering one and two days a week as required, ensuring their Christian Distinctiveness within the diocese. 

Both roles will be on a consultancy basis, starting in January 2021.


Linda wainscot writes:

Having had a long career in education, I retired in August 2020 from my most recent role as Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) for the Diocese of Coventry (a post I held for almost 20 years). 

Prior to this, I was a teacher and senior leader in maintained and independent schools and an FE College as well as being involved in teacher training.

In addition to worshipping in Rugby, I am privileged to be an Honorary Canon of Coventry Cathedral. 

As DDE I was responsible for leading a team that provided statutory and non-statutory services for Church of England Schools, established Multi-Academy Trusts, successfully bid to open St Gabriel’s CofE Academy and, as a member of the Bishop’s Core Staff Team, played a wider role across the parishes, cathedral and chaplaincies, ensuring that the place of CofE Schools remained at the heart of strategic planning. 

For two years I was the chair of the Anglican Association of Directors of Education.

At the heart of my philosophy for education is my passion that every young person and adult connected with Church of England schools might experience the love of God in a tangible and life-giving way.

I am honoured to have been asked to support the Diocese of Derby, the DBE and its family of schools and academies for the Spring Term and look forward to 'meeting' and working with you.

Clearly, in this difficult season of COVID19, our interactions will largely be limited to ZOOM etc.  However, I am confident that will not prevent meaningful and positive working relationships.

Last modified on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 10:14

Sarah Warburton, a parishioner at St Michael’s Church in Breaston, was one of around 40 people from the across the Diocese of Derby to be recognised for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic and awarded a Bishop’s Badge. A special service was live-streamed on Zoom from Derby Cathedral where Bishop Libby officially gave recognition and presented the awards.

Sarah was recognised for her work in leading and coordinating the Covid-19 street leaders in Breaston, providing support for the vulnerable and setting up and leading a food collection service for local food charities.

Sarah said she felt incredibly lucky to be awarded the Bishop's Badge: “It certainly feels like I received the Bishop’s Badge on behalf of a fabulous team of volunteers, without whom we definitely wouldn’t have been able to do everything that we have done in Breaston. I collected it on behalf of a group of people especially those who helped make the scheme possible, including Richard Warburton, my Husband, Paul Stuttle, Jo Whitehead and Revd Chris Smedley – vicar at St Michaels Breaston.”

When it looked like a lockdown was likely, St Michael’s Church had a meeting with the Parish Council, the Breaston community forum, the Good Neighbour Scheme and the Methodist Church about how they could respond in the village to help the community. Flyers were sent to each house offering help with shopping, post and prescription collections. Such was the hugely positive response that shortly after 130 volunteers had registered. 

The groups ambitious goal of having a leader on every street in the village was achieved within a week and when things quietened down, the network organised a food collection for the Canaan Trust and the Long Eaton and Sawley Foodbank.

Sarah said: “There were just so many incredible stories coming out of what was happening in the village. One lady was shopping for 10 elderly neighbours and that was at the time that the restrictions were in place.” 

Sarah really hopes that the community spirit will continue: “We have been at St Michaels Church for three years and during that time we have seen so many volunteers from the church being active in the community. At the time of the pandemic, many of those were forced to isolate, so it’s been a really good time for the younger generation to step up and get involved to do their part.” 

“We’ve now got the network and hope to continue it. We have a food collection planned for Christmas and with the second wave we have been in contact with everyone again to see if they are available to help and have again received such a great response.

This year, Bishop's Badges were awarded to nominees who have supported their churches and local communities during the pandemic. The recipients were nominated by clergy in the diocese.

Other recipients this year include Jim Morton of Ripley, who provided online worship opportunities through digital church, social media and zoom and also built an Alexa app to make worship available on smart speakers; Enid Glassey, Lewis Marriott and Pamela Marriott for outstanding volunteering work helping with the Cresswell Breakfast club feeding vulnerable families in our parish during Covid-19; Claire Henley for being a key team member and leader of the Food Hub work at St Alkmund's, Derby, organising care packages that have been delivered to members of the church and local communities; and a vast number of other volunteers who have provided pastoral care, online services and other support, including chaplaincy and hospital visits. and 

The Bishop's Badge has historic links, based on a medal that the very first Bishop of Derby, Bishop Edmund Pearce, had struck to celebrate this new beginning.

Medals were presented to distinguished members of the Diocese and to all those being confirmed in that year. 

Now, it is a replica of this medal that is mounted in the form of a badge and awarded by the diocesan bishop to acknowledge outstanding service.

Last modified on Friday, 27 November 2020 14:08

Downing Street has announced that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the nomination of the Revd Canon Malcolm Macnaughton, presently Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of York, as the next Suffragan Bishop of Repton in the Diocese of Derby.

Malcolm was educated at Queens’ College Cambridge and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall. He served his title at St Andrew’s Haughton-le-Skerne, in the diocese of Durham, and was ordained Priest in 1982. Malcolm was appointed Priest-in-Charge at the Anglican Methodist Local Ecumenical Partnership of All Saints, Newton Hall in the diocese of Durham in 1985. In 1990, he became Team Vicar of St John’s Hoxton in the diocese of London, and served as Area Dean of Hackney from 1994 to 1999. In 2002, he was appointed Team Rector in the Hambleden Valley Group of Churches in the diocese of Oxford, and became Area Dean of High Wycombe in 2005.  Malcolm took up his current role as Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of York in 2007.

Malcolm is married to Pam, an ordained pioneer minister and a leadership specialist with the Church Pastoral Aid Society.

The Bishop of Derby, the Right Reverend Libby Lane said: “Bishops are called to attend to the life of the church and to share in the building up of the Kingdom of God. Malcolm brings, out of his own deep commitment to sharing the love of Jesus, 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, with the Good News of the Kingdom of God. We pray for Malcolm and Pam as they prepare to move - that the people and places of Derbyshire and Derby will be a blessing to them, as they will be a blessing to us.”    

Canon Malcolm Macnaughton said: “I am much looking forward to working with Bishop Libby and colleagues in the Diocese of Derby, and am excited by the task ahead. The COVID crisis is tough for everyone, and we need to be focussed on bringing real hope to those most at risk, those living in poverty, and young people who have so much to offer, but whose opportunities for education, development, and employment, are so limited just now. It is great to see the Church in Derby and Derbyshire finding new ways, alongside the old, of being church and seeking the common good. What a privilege to be called by God to join you and to share the next stage of this journey! ”



The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Malcolm as the next Suffragan Bishop of Repton.  Malcolm’s work here at Bishopthorpe alongside Archbishop Sentamu, and latterly with me, has given him huge experience of the workings of the Church of England and this will be of enormous value in the Derby diocese. At heart, Malcolm is a pastor. His gentle demeanour, fine grasp of detail and tenacious faithfulness will make him an excellent bishop. And his heart’s desire is to make Christ known. He will be hugely missed here at Bishopthorpe and across the northern province. We offer our prayers and best wishes for this next chapter of ministry for Malcolm, his family, and the Diocese of Derby.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby said: “I’m grateful to God as we welcome Malcolm to this role at a challenging but exciting time for the Church and for Diocese of Derby. He has many years’ experience as a vicar, working in partnership across communities and helping people face the difficulties and sorrows of life – as well as celebrating its joys. For 13 years, alongside then Archbishop Sentamu, Malcolm worked tirelessly to serve him in spreading the story of hope that we have in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This will be his message as Bishop of Repton – that whoever we are, we can have that hope, because of the love of God in Christ. Malcolm is committed to growing and deepening the Church, which reflects the diverse communities in which we minister. He has vast overseas experience and is a man of grace, warmth and humility. I warmly welcome him to his new ministry.”

Malcolm succeeds Bishop Jan McFarlane, now Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield.  

Malcolm will be ordained and consecrated a bishop by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in a service early next year.

malcolm and libby

Malcolm was introduced to the diocese at St Mark's Church, Derby

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:45

Revd Peter Barham reflects on Harvest under Covid restrictions.

Harvest Festival, and we managed two decorated churches (thanks).

We had 35 in one church and 40 in the other, and - unusually - my congregation was larger than that of Northern Reader (Northern Reader is Peter's wife, Julie).

We survived not singing "We plough the fields and scatter" and everyone seemed to get something out of worship.

Harvest hedgehogs seem appropriate - spikes and all that.

allestree harvest hedgehog

We did a food bank run for the Hope Centre in Derby - Mike and Shirley had a full car (thank you again).

We can accept donations at any time in Primrose's book shed at the vicarage.

I baptised young Ralph at lunchtime - we moved the flowers first.

Just six guests allowed. Mum, dad, Ralph and the four Godparents. 

I have given up trying to understand the logic of the regulations.

Lovely young people, a happy little lad, and a pleasure to baptise - one of the greatest pleasures of my ministry (in the old days I'd have given you a photo, now I need written permission first).

Then we had an open air service.

It was a sunny afternoon and people came with their own seats.

A lot of work for 18 people and it proved why we have church buildings. Nice to have good chats with families (and others) I haven't seen for a while.

I hope everyone got something out of it.

Now I'm shattered. Daft really, Sunday's are usually a lot busier than this!

The Prime Minister is right, it is going to be a tough winter for all of us.

The lovely people at Cogito Books supplied me with this evening's entertainment.

Just wish I'd got a real fire to snuggle in front of.

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Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 15:58

Family Fit is a series of videos specially made for the Diocese of Derby as part of the Bishop's Harvest Appeal 2020 and the commitment to supporting mental wellbeing in Derbyshire.

This series of five 20-minute, fun-themed family workouts, led by Kay Skinner, a Church of England sports minister, includes Magnificent Mondays, Talented Tuesdays, Wild Wednesdays, Thankful Thursdays, Fabulous Fridays.

They will premier each morning during the October half term break at 9 a.m. - so make sure you join in!

There is no special equipment needed - just make sure you have ample space for your family to move around while you follow Kay's classes.

This is a great way to get your family active, keep fit, do something together and, most importantly, help to look after your physical and mental wellbeing.

So please share this page with your family, friends, colleagues and schoolmates and let's all get Family Fit!

Last modified on Friday, 30 October 2020 09:42
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Contact and Find Us

Derby Church House

Full Street, Derby DE1 3DR

01332 388650

Email: 

enquiries@derby.anglican.org

Who's who at Derby Church House

Map and parking information

 

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