News Stories
Derby Cathedral will host a public interfaith vigil for Ukraine on Sunday, 3rd April.
Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Quaker representatives are scheduled to speak at the vigil which starts at 3pm, and everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to light a candle, reflect in silence and sign the Book of Solidarity.
The vigil has been organised with the support of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Derby branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain,, and co-ordinated by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre.
Peter Robinson, the Dean of Derby said: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension.
"This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution.
"The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good."
According to research carried out by the International Organisation for Migration between 9 and 16 March, the United Nations refugee agency estimates ten million people have now fled their homes in Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. As well as the 3.6 million who have left for neighbouring countries, another estimated 6.5 million people are thought to be displaced inside the war-torn country itself.
Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby Cathedral comments: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension. This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution. The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good".
Around ten faiths will be represented at the vigil, a hugely significant moment for both cathedral and city.
Dr Vivekanand Sharma, Temple Priest at Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan in Derby, said: “The suffering and pain of the Ukrainian people is felt by the Hindu Community and we sincerely pray that a lasting solution to the current crisis is found very soon and life returns to as normal as could be under the circumstances. On behalf of the Hindu Temple and Membership, we pray for peace and tolerance in Ukraine”.
Chief Imam, Mufti Hafiz Fazal Ahmed Qadri from Derby Jamia Mosque, said: "We believe there's power in prayer. We're not going to change the course of events, but we can certainly express our pain and our commiseration with the people of Ukraine.
"We stand united with all those affected by war and conflict in Ukraine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and many other places around the world."
We have all been shocked and moved by the unfolding crisis in Ukraine and many people are looking for ways they can help.
You won't be surprised to hear that the vast majority of parishes in the Diocese of Derby have initiated some form of appeal to help the people of Ukraine who are suffering so much - the latest figures from the Disasters Emergency Committee estimate that around 2.5 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in their homeland.
It is thought that more than 18 million people will be affected by the conflict.
We are receiving scores of questions about whether empty rooms in parsonages - and vacant parsonages - can be offered to house Ukrainian refugees.
The Church of England is expected to offer guidance on this issue at the end of this week.
Meanwhile, the C of E has produced a toolkit for churches responding to the crisis in Ukraine [PDF] and some advice on the Homes For Ukraine Scheme.
Further guidance can be found here.
Donations
Many agencies are now saying that transporting donations of goods to Ukraine and the neighbouring countries who are receiving refugees is not cost effective and impractical with many lorries now backed up at borders and unable to deliver.
So the main way to support is through donating money to charities already set up to co-ordinate funds where they are needed the most.
USPG and the Church of England Diocese in Europe have launched an emergency appeal to get aid to people in desperate need because of the invasion of Ukraine.
Funds raised by the appeal will support Christian charities and churches carrying out humanitarian work both in Ukraine and responding to the arrival of refugees in neighbouring countries.
To find out more and to donate to the UPSG and Church of England Diocese in Europe Emergency Appeal Fund click here.
The other recommended route is via The Disasters Emergency Committee. Your gift will help provide food, bedding and temporary accommodation for people who have fled the conflict in Ukraine.
Prayers
Churches across the diocese continue to hold prayer vigils which you can join.
The Church of England website also has a page of resources including prayers and readings chosen for prayer services for Ukraine.
The UK government has announced it is developing a new humanitarian sponsorship programme that will allow an unlimited number of Ukrainian families to come to the UK.
The Sanctuary Foundation is asking individuals, community groups, churches, schools and businesses to register their interest in becoming a sponsor when the scheme is developed.
Find out more about how you can get involved here.
The Church of England and the Diocese of Derby are supporting the National Day of Reflection on Wednesday, 23 March 2022, the second anniversary of the first UK lockdown, to commemorate the tragic loss of life and to stand together with everyone who’s grieving, whether as a result of Covid or other causes.
Organised by Marie Curie, the National Day of Reflection looks to reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
How can churches get involved?
- Include it in your notices and prayers on Sunday, 20 March 2022. Prayer and intercession resources are available that use the key words – reflect, support, hope.
- Share the Light at 8.00pm by lighting a candle in placing it in your window.
- Host or visit a Wall of Reflection
- Display your daffodil
- Put up posters in your community, raising awareness.
- Toll the church bell just after noon to mark the end of the minute’s silence.
- Email/print and send the prayer postcard to anyone and everyone to use at home on that day.
- Light a special candle in the church and say the prayer – record it on your phone or tablet and share the film on social media.
- Encourage people to phone or send a card to anyone who may feel bereaved.
- Involve the local school and encourage them to use the simple prayer at noon or to colour daffodil cards and deliver them to a local care home.
- Invite people to plant a seed, a bulb or bush as a sign of hope.
- Invite people to tie yellow ribbons to a prayer tree or railings as a sign of their prayer and support for all who are bereaved.
- Open your church for private prayer.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, stand with the Archbishops of Canterbury and York in condemning the invasion of Ukraine and calling for prayers for all those affected.
In a joint statement, the archbishops said: "The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.
“Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.
"We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long term agreements for stability and lasting peace.
“We invite Christians to make this Sunday a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace.
“We also give our support to the call from Pope Francis for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2.”
>> Download: A prayer for the crisis in Ukraine - from 24-7 Prayer [.zip folder]
For those of you who may have been considering fundraising or other personal support but are unsure how to direct this, one of several new humanitarian appeals is open at https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
In October last year, Jane Foster, Relationship Manager at The Children’s Society visited All Saints Church Wingerworth who have raised a spectacular £28,292.20 to support The Children’s Society’s work.
She gave them an update on how their hard work is making a difference.
Kay Duckett, a Reader at All Saints Wingerworth (pictured), distributed Children’s Society prayer cards and exhibited a brilliant display that highlighted the societies work.
Jane Foster, said: “Right now, thousands of young people find themselves trapped forced into crime and sexual abuse by criminal gangs.
"They’re living in fear of what comes next. They see no way out. But our project workers in the East Midlands are there to help.
“From motivational messages to hour-long calls, working with police and other agencies to ensure safeguarding and sharing of intelligence, they can be the positive influence that young people are missing.
"And with generous support, they can be on-hand for as long as it takes to help young people see that the future is theirs to own.”
Bishop Libby, who is Vice Chair of Trustees of The Children’s Society, commented: “This is amazing. The Children Society are brave, ambitious, trusted and supportive in their work with some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities.
"This is the work of the Kingdom – at the heart of which, Jesus tells us, are such children. On behalf of The Children’s Society, and the children we work with, I extend my sincerest thanks to those at All Saints Wingerworth: this example of generous Christian faith in action is transforming lives for good.”
The new Royal School of Church Music Derbyshire Area Team has now been commissioned and we’re delighted to introduce them. The role of the Area Team is to raise the profile of and promote the RSCM and church music within Derbyshire, and to programme events for churches, clergy, musicians in Derbyshire and beyond. If you’re interested in finding out more about the RSCM in Derbyshire please do get in touch with our Area Team Leader, Alexander Binns at alexander@derbycathedral.org
Alexander Binns – Area Team Leader
Alexander Binns is the Director of Music at Derby Cathedral and is the Area Team Leader for RSCM Derbyshire. Prior to moving to Derby, Alexander spent 3 years as Assistant Director of Music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Alexander is a prizewinning graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and alongside his studies held organ scholarships at St George’s Chapel Windsor Castle, Southwark Cathedral and the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Alexander has been involved with the RSCM from the age of 9, when he first attended courses run for young singers, and is delighted to be heading up the newly commissioned Derbyshire Area Team.
Carol Coslett – Diocesan Representative
I am delighted to represent the RSCM Derby Area Team on the Bishops Staff Team. Trained as a musician and choral leader, in my home in Chesterfield I have a piano, harpsichord, guitars, strings, various electric keyboards and my clarinet. I don’t play them all at once! I have directed many church choirs and school choirs, taking some to the Albert Hall, as part of the schools proms, some to diocesan choir festivals, or to lead cathedral choral evensongs, and prepared choristers for their RSCM Bishops and Deans Awards. It has always been my privilege to serve the church in this way. Encouraging singing and music making in church can lead to lasting connections which can truly build community and grow the church. As a newly formed Regional team I look forward to the challenge ahead and engaging with our parish churches, their choirs, music groups, and organists so that we can support and celebrate our new Diocesan Vision transform lives. So may we “Sing with the spirit and with understanding also”
Michael Halls – Treasurer
Michael Halls has been Director of Music at St Oswald’s Church at Ashbourne since 1998 and has been associated with the RSCM for many years.
Edward Turner – Safeguarding Co-ordinator
Edward Turner is the Assistant Director of Music at Derby Cathedral, having previously held posts at Worcester College Oxford, Tewkesbury Abbey, Dean Close School Cheltenham and Southwell Minster. Alongside his work at the Cathedral, Edward directs the University of Derby Choir and is Accompanist to Nottingham Bach Choir.
Chris Ebbern – Secretary
Chris is a singer, pianist and organist based in Long Eaton and sings with De Montfort University Chamber Choir and as a Deputy Lay Clerk with Derby Cathedral Choir. He currently studies singing with London based teacher; René Bloice-Sanders and in Autumn this year shall be participating in Penelope Roskell’s Piano Teachers Course. Chris is delighted to be part of the Derbyshire RSCM team and very much looks forward to future events with them.
Rob Aldread
Rob Aldread is part of the Dronfield with Holmesfield Team in North East Derbyshire. Rob is a practical and versatile music graduate who is happy to lead a traditional SATB choir for choral evensong and matins, but he is equally happy to play piano and lead the music for more contemporary worship. Like many musicians, Rob adapted during the pandemic and he now knows how to produce virtual choir videos and he is reasonably expert at music technology and live streaming.
Rachel Reid
Rachel Reid sings soprano with Melbourne Parish Church Choir, South Derbyshire. She is also a member of RSCM Voices South and the RSCM Residentiary choir. Prior to joining the RSCM Derbyshire committee she was the Awards Administrator for the Peterborough and Northampton area.
Tom Hibbert
Tom was organist of St Thomas Becket Chapel-en-le-Frith from May 2006 to December 2017. Since January 2018, he has played the organ at 4 churches in Buxton on a freelance basis and also sings in the choir at St John the Baptist Buxton.
Three new canons have been collated and installed at Derby Cathedral.
Revd Patrick Coleman, Vicar of All Saints Chesterfield (The Crooked Spire) andSt Leonard's (Mission Church) Spital, and Revd Julian Hollywell, Vicar of St Werburgh Spondon, Priest-in-charge of St Mark Derby and St Philip Chaddesden, and Minister Responsible at St Andrew with St Osmund Derby were installed as honorary canons, and Emily Brailsford, Derby Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union and Project Officer at Rural Action Derbyshire, was installed as a lay canon.
The three new canons were collated in a special Evensong led by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby.
>> See photos from the installation service [on Flickr]
Canon Emily Brailsford
Emily has three children and her first and most important role is always a a mother.
As her children have grown, Emily's role within her home church of St Giles, Matlock, has also grown and developed.
For many years she has delivered Sunday School and also a monthly fun club.
Later, as her children grew older, Emily took some time for herself so that she was able to attend the Lay Reader training.
For some time, she worked to develop a network of support groups for parents of children with additional needs.
When the children were settled in school, Emily worked with Derbyshire Agricultural Chaplaincy, working with Revd Alan Griggs.
This was an amazing experience for her, but hard work trying to bring young people to the Lord.
On the 15th of January this year, Emily was commissioned as the President of Mothers' Union, Derby, at the Cathedral, Emily feels that the Mothers' Union is also a huge part of her ministry.
Through prayer and loving-kindness, the Mothers' Union touches the lives of many people.
In Derbyshire, they work with many of the women's refuges to try and prevent violence against women and girls.
They also raise money to help the work of those who tackle modern slavery and as a new initiative this year they are going to tackle period poverty, particularly amongst the homeless.
Emily's favourite passage of the Bible is in Revelation 21:4 where we are told that there will be no more pain or crying as the old things have passed away. She thinks that this is a great
reminder for us moving forwards after the last few years!
Canon Patrick Coleman
In July of 2022, Patrick will have been Vicar of Chesterfield for eight years.
The role involves being a parish priest and a great deal more, and this ensures that there is never a dull moment, and absolutely no chance of getting bored.
Patrick has also been a curate and chaplain in the Roman Catholic Church; diocesan CME officer; part of various diocesan and provincial committees and boards; chaired community enterprises and organisations; studied languages, philosophy, theology, history, taught the latter in a downtown comprehensive school; church organist and choir member.
He has done these in places as diverse as South Wales, Rome, Varese (northern Italy) and Munich.
Patrick has also been active in supporting the work of the Church in the Highveld (South Africa) and Niassa (northern Mozambique).
He has brought persistence and perseverance to the various complex issues faced in all these various roles, and he has always aimed at an astringent and critical loyalty to all with whom he has worked.
He has a creative mind, and hopes to bring both experience and creativity, with no holds barred, to his role in the life of the cathedral.
In any spare time left after being a parish priest and rescuer of Border Collies, Patrick enjoys music, reading, food, wine, Alfa Romeos, and classic buses.
Canon Julian Hollywell
Julian is the Vicar of Spondon and the priest with responsibility for the parishes of St Mark, Derwent, St Philip, Chaddesden and St Osmund with St Andrew, Wilmorton.
In these parishes he holds responsibility for inherited church and works alongside excellent pioneering colleagues developing new missional opportunities and planting churches.
Julian has served for many years in the diocese as a member of the Vocations Team and also as a National Selector.
He is a member of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for church buildings and Vice Chair of the Business Committee of the Diocesan Board of Finance.
He is Chair of the House of Clergy of the Diocesan Synod, a member of Bishop's Council and a member of the General Synod where he helped produce the legislation that led to the Well-being Covenant.
Julian is also a member of the well-being group in the diocese.
He is an ambassador for Inclusive Church and a National Trustee of the Open Table Network. He is a trustee, board member and safeguarding lead of the Derbyshire YMCA.
Julian previously worked as a diocesan officer in the Manchester and Liverpool dioceses, focussing on estates and urban mission.
Honorary canons serve the bishop, the cathedral and the whole of the diocese acting as a ’two way’ ambassador for the cathedral.
They have an outward facing role involving listening, sharing stories and promoting the cathedral across the diocese and helping the cathedral to listen to the wider diocese.
Acting as representatives of the cathedral at local licensings/institutions, they welcome people new to the diocese into relationship with the cathedral.
Honorary canons are part of the cathedral’s College of Canons which is a body that is able to reflect theologically on the place of the cathedral in the life, mission and ministry of the diocese and its contribution.
They currently meet two or three times a year to discuss how the cathedral is approaching its vocation theologically, tactically and strategically.
They are a significant part of the cathedral community, whether present or not, and are welcome to join in any aspects of the cathedral’s life, worship and ministry.
Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm are inviting all those engaged with and/or concerned for youth and children’s ministry across the diocese together on Zoom to pray for our children and young people as they face these challenging times, as well as for our churches and schools as places of worship, welcome, and belonging.
We will host this Zoom prayer gathering on Tuesday, 11th January, 7.30pm.
We will send the Zoom link to any who get in touch before that date via Bishop Malcolm’s office, bishopofrepton@derby.anglican.org.
At the heart of Christmas
Last year, many of the familiar experiences that bring Christmas to life for all of us were lost because of the terrifying spread of the deadly Coronavirus throughout the population.
School nativities, office parties, carol singing, pantomimes, family gatherings for Christmas dinner, and much more that brings joy to so many, were often cancelled.
This year, the emergence of the new, highly-transmissible Omicron variant means the infection rate is, once again, rising alarmingly.
Despite the incredible effort being made to supply booster vaccines to all adults by the end of December, our celebrations again feel threatened and fragile.
That has focused my mind on what really matters.
At the heart of Christmas is the good news of God’s saving love revealed in the birth of Jesus.
What matters to me therefore, is echoing that generous love of God.
This year, I am determined to ensure that generosity to others lies at the heart of my Christmas.
That means I have given especially careful thought and attention to the gifts I buy for family, friends and colleagues this year but without forgetting that generosity is so much more than the material things we give to one another.
Generosity is about being available to others, making time for them and doing the things that matter to them rather than just the things I want to do.
It means stepping up to help with all the mundane but essential practical jobs at home like washing-up and taking out the recycling and rubbish for collection.
It means listening, paying proper attention and allowing others to disturb me, even when I want some peace and quiet.
It means looking beyond myself and my own family - to those who will be without shelter, food or care this Christmas and asking myself 'what generosity can I show them whether financially, through my attitude, or with my time'?
That first Christmas, Mary was overwhelmed by the generosity of the innkeeper offering shelter, the shepherds who left their flock to the mercy of the hillside, the wise men who travelled from afar to bring precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
She treasured these amazing things in her heart and pondered on them, wondering what those extraordinary events of the first Christmas might mean for her and her family then and in the years ahead.
As we reflect upon the generosity of God’s love for us, and see it reflected in the behaviour of those around us, may we too treasure the real gift of Christmas and take its spirit forwards into what will almost certainly be a very challenging 2022.
God’s love is not just something to be unwrapped for Christmas, shared for a few days and then put away for another year.
It is something we can draw on each and every day.
We can all commit ourselves to living a life that shows, in real and practical ways, that whatever else is cancelled in the months ahead, whoever we are and whatever our circumstances, God’s love is always available and ready to be shared generously with those around us.
Merry Christmas
Bishop Libby Lane
Bishop of Derby
Saints of Derbyshire, the book by Revd Simon Taylor and Josephine Simister, is now available to buy.
The illustrated book tells the stories of more than 50 saints associated with Derbyshire and is published by Derby Cathedral, which will also receive all profits from the sale of the book.
At the launch of the book, Simon, formerly area dean of Derby City Deanery, revealed that the idea for the book came during a family trip to Repton.
He said: "We were looking around the parish church there and there are loads of saints associated with Repton, with this magnificent crypt for St Wystan and nowhere could I find enough information about the saints.
"And after that I just started collecting the stories, not just for Repton but for the whole of the county.
"It tells the stories of the saints. I remember some years ago reading a dictionary of saints that said 'the stories of this saint are legendary' and feeling that wasn't very helpful, I wanted to know what the stories were, however legendary and far-fetched because, they're fun and I wanted to know what made the story come alive.
"So we've kept in the monsters and the far-fetched and the supernatural because that's the funa and the joy of these stories.
"It's also a book that we hope people will take out into Derbyshire and go and visit some places and find the saints associated with places.
"And, yes, there are prayers and it is a book that, through the lives of the saints, will connect folk to God - the god that the saints in their very different ways were all trying to find."
The book is also laden with beautiful lino-print illustrations, lovingly created by Jo Simister, deanery administrator for Derby City Deanery.
Jo said: "I think the most lovely thing about this project was that it got me back in touch with my art teaching roots from 40 years ago.
"Just doing the refresher workshop to produce the Repton crypt print was such a joy that I really couldn't resist thinking that maybe I could do one lino print for each of the chapters - not realsiing that there would be 20 chapters!
"I loved doing the research for the different subjects, so for example when it came to doing the design for the hermit who lived in Deepdale and Cratcliffe, I decided to see what the local museums had in the way of cooking pots from that era and I also had a Tudor herbal at home and I scanned some of the photos from that - simple, primitive pictures of daisies and clover that I used in the design.
"And then there were others that were really quite obvious."
Among the church artefacts that are included are the Wirksworth Stone (the lid of a stone vault found buried in Wirksworth Church in 1820), which was used for one of the chapters, and the Saxon font at Ilam, used for the story about Bertrand and the monsters eating his wife!
An exhibition of Jo's lino prints is in Derby Cathedral (until 20 December 2021) and the book, priced £12.50 (plus 4.50 p&p if required) can be ordered by emailing office@derbycathedral.org
As we enter Advent, we look for the coming of Christ and of his kingdom, and the hope that gives us.
Between 29 November 2021 and 23 December 2021, Bishops Libby and Malcolm invite you to join them each week on zoom for 45 minutes of prayer and reflection together, based upon seasonal Bible passages.
Advent Hope is open to all and will be held on Monday morning from 7:30-8:15am and repeated on Thursday evening from 7:30-8:15 pm.
Both sessions will be on Zoom.
Do pass this invitation on.
Please email reply@bishopofderby.org for the access link.
Bishop Malcolm writes:
In Covid times we have had to learn to be fleet of foot, and ready to change plans at the drop of a hat.
Those of you who attended the clergy conference back in September will remember that Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy was unable to join us on the Wednesday as he had succumbed to Covid.
I am now pleased to say Lusa has fully recovered, and that he has agreed to give us an Advent address, on Zoom, on Monday, 6 December from 7 pm to 7.45pm, followed by a discussion in breakout groups, a Q&A session with Lusa - leading up to Night Prayer.
This is now opento anyone in the diocese, lay and ordained, but please do book in via this link.
Lusa will be speaking to the title, ‘Threads of hope’, with an Advent theme.
The Revd. Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy is BAME Mission and Ministry Enabler for the Diocese of Leicester.
He recently served on the Archbishops’ Anti Racism Task Force, which produced the report, ‘From Lament to Action’.
He is also a Trustee of Initiatives of Change, a global organisation working to inspire, equip and connect people to play their part in building a better society.
I realise this is rather short notice for such a significant talk, but it is offered in the hope that it may be an encouragement and inspiration during the Advent season.
Please book in right away if you possibly can.
Janice and Sarah, who were involved in this venture in Hathersage, write:
Hathersage held its first Repair Cafe on a Saturday morning which was very well received and well supported.
From the initial trepidation of ‘will anyone come’, we moved to an excited buzz with customers arriving at 9.45am even though we didn’t open until 10am!
Our experts were kept busy throughout the morning as the attached photos show, and tackled a range of requests which they met with skill, expertise and good humour.
A steady request for bacon butties kept Paul and Lucy busy in the kitchen, although they still managed to pop out from time to time to socialise.
Not everyone needed the assistance of our experts and it was lovely to see friends who had popped in for a coffee and a natter, ably overseen by Charlotte, our curate and chief natterer!
Our thanks to those who gave their time and talents so willingly and to all those who came along, with or without an item needing repair.
We hope to repeat the Repair Cafe in the new year and we will publicise it when details have been finalised.
A reflection by Revd Ellie Launders-Brown
As a Christian and a veteran of the Royal Navy, Remembrance Sunday is always an important part of the calendar and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I have spent Remembrance Sunday, at sea, on land in both the UK and abroad, during conflict and at peace.
To stand alongside my serving comrades in remembrance of the sacrifice of all who gave their lives in the service of their country is quite a poignant moment and never fails to stir up many emotions.
As there are very few veterans remaining of the two world wars, it always felt important to me that all people of every nationality should stand together as a living memorial to the fallen in all conflicts.
Hearing the guns fall silent as a mark of respect, gives an insight into how that silence must have felt on 11/11/18, it is quite a deafening and spine-tingling silence to behold.
As I begin my ordained ministry, I feel that this living memorial is still important, but also that our act of remembrance should be a journey.
Yes, we should still look back and remember the sacrifice of others for a freedom that we are fortunate enough to enjoy today, but we should also learn from the past as we look to the present, and how our fellow human beings are still suffering oppression, discrimination, and abuse.
That living memorial we make on Remembrance Sunday is futile if we still allow the mistreatment and injustice that is around today.
I am always drawn at this time of Remembrance to the Words of Micah: ‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.’ (Micah 4:3-4).
My prayer as we enter the season of Remembrance is that if we can come together and unite with our fellow human beings, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexuality, ability or disability, can we then look with hope towards a new future where we can accept and embrace our differences and live together as children of God in peace.
Ellie Launders-Brown was ordained a deacon in 2021 and is currently serving her curacy with East Scardsale Team Ministry.
She is also a veteran of the Royal Navy.
Natasha's Law
On 1 October 2021, Natasha’s Law came into effect for all foods produced and prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) with food labelling changing in the UK.
This new labelling will provide potentially life-saving allergen information on packaging for consumers.
A full list of ingredients will be required by law to be stated on the label, along with the name of the food.
Parishes are subject to the general law in relation to the sale and supply of food and drink.
This includes complying with the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019 which add Natasha’s Law to the Food Information Regulations 2014.
Regulations definition
The Regulations apply to a “food business” which is defined as any undertaking, whether for profit or not and whether public or private, carrying out any of the activities related to any stage of production, processing and distribution of food.
The regulations define a “food business operator” as the natural or legal persons responsible for ensuring that the requirements of food law are met within the food business under their control.
As a result of these definitions, PCCs fall within the scope of food business and food business operators.
Private individuals who occasionally sell or offer food at church events are exempt from the allergen information requirements.
However, if an individual is providing food as a food business operator or provides products for consumption to one, such as a church café or regular lunch club, then the necessary allergen information should be provided.
Natasha's Law has extended the 2014 Regulations.
The 2014 Regulations originally applied to foods that are not pre-packed, and Natasha’s Law has extended the Regulations to pre-packed for direct sale to a final consumer.
Where food is not pre-packed, the information must stuill be provided, though in this case it can be provided verbally and either a label attached to the food or notice, ticket or label must be readily visible stating that details of the substance or product can be obtained by asking a member of staff.
Pre-packed food will need to clearly display on the packaging the name of the food, full ingredients list, within allergenic ingredients emphasised.
Learn More
>> What is Natasha's Law?
>> Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Parishes are being urged to mark the start of the COP26 climate change summit by ringing bells.
The plan is for church and cathedral bells to be peeled for 30 minutes at 6pm on Saturday, 30 October.
The idea of the mass bellringing was devised by Edward Gildea, the adventurer and environmentalist, who is a member of St Mary's church in Saffron Walden, Essex, as a vivid warning of the danger from the climate emergency.
He said: “Church bells would normally be used to call people to church on Sundays.
"But this time, they'll be ringing out a warning - a 'code-red for humanity' warning.'
Mr Gildea created a Facebook page to support the idea.
A post from him reads: "Wouldn't it be great if every church, chapel and cathedral bell around the world were to ring out its warning to humanity on the eve of COP 26?
"This website is for people of all faiths and none, who share a common concern for the future of humanity."
Bell ringers across the country are supporting the initiative.
Simon Linford, President of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, commented: “Bellringers understand how important the bells they ring are not only to the church but also to the local community.
“The sound of bells was missed during lockdown, and it is now being welcomed back as part of the nation’s soundscape.
“Many bellringers are planning to join in with “ring out for the climate’, lending their powerful voice in support of efforts to halt climate change.”
Where churches participate, a notification on social media or in newsletters can help make the local community aware of the significance of the bells.
Vigils
Meanwhile, Derby Cathedral, and other churches within the Diocese of Derby, are holding vigils.
The Dean of Derby, the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, will lead a prayer vigil at the cathedral on Saturday, 30th October, at 11am.
Dean Peter said: "This is such a pivotal moment. Carbon emissions and temperatures continue to rise, the biodiversity of the planet is decreasing and the very future of the human race is threatened.
"Now is the time to act and the faith communities across the globe have the capacity to act together and influence the outcome of COP26 for the better.
"Not only will be praying for radical change in policies and practice by all nations but we will be demonstrating our solidarity with the global poor who suffer disproportionately from the impact of global heating.
"Please do come and join us for this critical moment in history and let’s take action together!"
And Saint Michael's Kirk Langley will hold a vigil on Wednesday, 3 November at 7.30pm
Edward Gildea's video message to all churches in the country
