Items filtered by date: December 2015
All ministry needs to start with prayer. We grow in faith as we connect with God’s heart for people. As we pray for schools and their children, our heart for the children and the staff at the school grows and we see God move.
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Pray For Schools to see inspiration and resources, and start praying for the schools near you.
24-7 Prayer also have useful guides on praying for schools, staff and students.
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The Church of England’s Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) has been running for ten years, with over 800 participants and involving 35 dioceses. It offers a year of experience and training in a range of settings for people aged 18-30 to help them discern a call to ministry.
This has been largely focussed on ordained ministry, however MES has expanded in line with the Church’s Vision and Strategy for the 2020’s, to include a stream focussed specifically on ministry opportunities amongst children, young people and families (CYPF) – the Future Youth Ministry Experience Scheme.
In the Diocese of Derby we have been a part of the first two years of the pilot, and are looking to invest in at least two young adults aged 18-30, to join us as Future Youth MES workers. These 11-month training and experience gaining posts will seek to help participants discern a long-term possible vocation to Christian ministry with Children, Young People and Families.
The successful applicants will gain a diverse experience of mission and ministry with CYPF within one of our specially selected placements as part of a wider process of discerning God’s call on your life. These exciting roles will involve working closely with the ministry team of the church or mission community, to play their part in the Kingdom of God which is good news for all, helping to see transformation in the lives of CYPF, the church grow and communities built.
The FY MES scheme has also partnered with Aurora, and participants will join together with others across the country to complete the nationally run course. We will also work with participants to build in optional further training modules to their year through our Diocesan lay ministry training programme.
Placement contexts
Participants will be placed in one of our carefully selected context parishes/benefices. After successful applications and interviews, the Diocesan team will work with the candidates to work out the placement where they are most likely to flourish. This decision will be based on location, church tradition, ministry interests and where there is most likely to be the best working relationship with placement supervisors. This allocation will be a conversation where successful candidates will have a chance to meet with placement supervisors and agree focuses for the placement.
The range of placements will offer as diverse a range of opportunities as possible, across differing contexts including urban, post-industrial and rural contexts, as well as differing traditions and theological backgrounds. The placements on offer for 2025/2026 are:
- Christ Church Cotmonhay and Shipley - A growing friendly church with developing children's and youth ministries in a strong community that is facing significant socio-economic challenges.
- St Francis Mackworth - A thriving church community in an estate community on the outskirts of Derby that has experienced rapid growth since the revitilisation church plant 5 years ago especially in its children's and youth ministries.
- SDR Churches (Stanton by Dale with Dale Abbey and Risely) - a semi-rural group of churches with intergenerational church at the heart of their vision and values where they help church families grow as disciples and also reach out to children and young people with no experience of Church.
Whilst accommodation is not provided as part of this role, we will work with successful candidates and the local church to explore affordable lodging options with hosts from the placement churches.
To find out more or to ask any questions please contact Aidan Watson
To view the role description, salary info, and terms click here
To apply to be a participant on the scheme please email a cover letter and a C.V. by midnight 20th July 2025 to mandy.francis@derby.anglican.org If we receive sufficient applications of sufficient promise then we reserver the right to close the application deadline ahead of this so please apply ASAP.
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Ellie's FYMES story
After finishing university and moving back home, I wanted to gain experience working with children and young people whilst also accessing some further training, so Future Youth was perfect for me.It also gave me the chance to experience a different type of church and create a new Christian family compared to my normal church that I have grown up in. Although based at the Cathedral, I have been able to explore other youth ministries within the deanery.Read more
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For more information, contact Revd Aidan Watson Aidan.watson@derby.anglican.org | 01332 278144
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Glossop parish church of All Saints has become the first church in the Diocese of Derby to achieve a gold Eco Church award.
The award is the highest accolade given by A Rocha UK, a Christian conservation charity, and reflects the church’s commitment to put creation care at the heart of their activities, and highlights how Eco Churches benefit biodiversity and reduce their carbon footprint.
To achieve the award, Glossop parish church developed its churchyard to be a living sanctuary at the heart of the community.
The planting scheme encourages bees, butterflies and birds, there are bird boxes, bug and hedgehog hotels, and the hedges aren’t cut when birds might be nesting.
The land is used for outdoor services and learning about creation, and events such as The Great British Birdwatch, the Bellringers BBQ and the end-of-season party for Dark Peak Children’s orchestra.
Joining with churches and community groups across Glossopdale, they took part in the ‘Great British Spring Clean’ in April and October and collected a total of over 40 bags of litter from a local ‘grot spot’.
The church also had a green Christmas, renting a Christmas tree which the Reverend David said is returned after Christmas so it can continue growing.
They also sent candle stubs and used tea lights to a company in the southwest of England who recycle them into candles.
During January month they are being part of ‘Buy Nothing New Month’, trying out alternatives like renting, repairing and buying pre-loved items to save both money as well as the planet.
The Vicar at All Saints, the Reverend David Mundy, said All Saints had put the concept of caring for creation at the heart of all their thinking: "The Eco Church award scheme has been instrumental in helping us understand practical ways to engage with the Anglican Communion’s ‘Fifth Mark of Mission’: 'To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth'.
"Working to achieve the different levels of award has challenged us about our faith.
"We have increasingly come to recognise that the lifestyle choices we make – what we eat, what we wear, how we travel, how we dispose of our waste, and so on – have implications not only for the planet but also for our sisters and brothers in the global South.
"The gold award is not the end of our journey; it is a staging post. I am very proud of the Eco Church team at All Saints.
"Our next steps include investigating how we might work towards the net zero targets and supporting other parishes on their Eco Church journeys."
On hearing of the award, the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said: "My congratulations go to everyone at All Saints, Glossop, and especially Barbara Fearnley and Eric Igo for the amazing work they have done as they have travelled towards and been awarded with Gold Eco Church status.
"Projects undertaken have included tending the churchyard and developing it as a sanctuary for humans, plants and animals, litter picking, toilet twinning, recycling candle stubs, partnering with USPG Green Schools programme in South India and 'renting' a Christmas tree which will be replanted so it can continue growing.
"I look forward to more of our churches following this example and being more environmentally sustainable and ecologically friendly.
"This is great news for the parish, for the diocese and, above all, for the environkment and the wildlife that will benefit from this remarkable effort in caring for God's creation."
And the Reverend Lucy Foster, A Rocha UK’s Eco Church Officer for Northern England said, “All Saints’ creation care is deeply rooted in their worship and prayer life and flows through all they do - from the beautiful accessible sacred space of their churchyard, and Toilet Twinning to initiatives with community partners to combat air pollution in areas of deprivation.
"They are an inspiring example of how church environmental action benefits both global and local neighbours."
Learn more about the Eco Church award scheme
15 October 2022 meeting
Download a copy of the report (PDF)
25 June 2022 meeting
Download a copy of the report (PDF)
The Bishop of Derby has announced the new diocesan secretary will be Will Hagger, who is currently the diocese of London's director of housing and investment property.
Will brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked for the London Diocesan Fund for eight years.
He is a chartered surveyor and has previously worked for property fund management business, Newcore Capital.
Will said: “I am really excited by the opportunities and challenges that my new role in Derby will present, both professionally and personally.
"Whilst I will be sad to leave the Diocese of London, I am looking forward to getting acquainted with the Diocese of Derby and the whole of Derbyshire.”
On announcing the appointment, Bishop Libby said: “I know you will join me in warmly welcoming Will to the Diocese of Derby.
"He will be a great asset to the diocese and in leading DBF colleagues from Church House.
"Please keep him and his family in your prayers as they prepare to move and through all their transitions."
Will’s first day with us will be 1st May.
On Sunday, 22 January 2023, St Peter’s Chellaston welcomed members of the Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) for a service focused on the experience of disabled people. The congregation showed their support with over 60 people attending the service.
Reader Lynda Herbert, who works for ‘Through the Roof’ - an organisation highlighting these issues - spoke from Mark 2 1-12 about overcoming obstacles churches too often inadvertently place in the path of disabled people.
Bishop Malcolm actively supports the Diocesan DIAG and presided at the service said, “We look forward to offering assistance to parishes as they consider how best to welcome people with disabilities - more information and resources will soon be available on the diocesan website”.
Lynda Herbert commented "We, the members of DIAG were given such a warm welcome by all at St Peter's and it was lovely to experience their willingness to explore how they can make the church a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. We look forward to working with them on the forthcoming access and inclusion audit".
Pictured (L-R) are Carl Veal (Chair of the DIAG) and his guide dog Eaton, Rachel Harrison (Reader and warden), Bishop Malcolm, Lynda Herbert (Reader and DIAG member), Revd BJ Facey (Vicar of St Peter’s Chellaston) and Terry Nash (DIAG member).
In March 2023, the DIAG will be launching their webpage on the Diocesan website which will it is hoped will be a great platform for parishes to learn more about the group, seek assistance and guidance, and download a range of resources.
On 19 January 2023, the bishops issued A response from the Bishops of the Church of England about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
The Church of England's press release, Bishops propose prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God’s blessing for same-sex couples, can be seen here followed by a joint statement from Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm.
Bishops propose prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God’s blessing for same-sex couples
For the first time, under historic plans outlined today, same-sex couples will be able to come to church to give thanks for their civil marriage or civil partnership and receive God’s blessing.
The Bishops of the Church of England will be issuing an apology later this week to LGBTQI+ people for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” they have faced in churches and the impact this has had on their lives.
And they will urge all congregations in their care to welcome same-sex couples “unreservedly and joyfully” as they reaffirm their commitment to a “radical new Christian inclusion founded in scripture, in reason, in tradition, in theology and the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it – based on good, healthy, flourishing relationships, and in a proper 21st Century understanding of being human and of being sexual”.
The proposals, which follow a six-year period of listening, learning and discernment known as Living in Love and Faith, will be outlined in a report to the Church’s General Synod, which meets in London next month.
It will offer the fullest possible pastoral provision without changing the Church’s doctrine of Holy Matrimony for same-sex couples through a range of draft prayers, known as Prayers of Love and Faith, which could be used voluntarily in churches for couples who have marked a significant stage of their relationship such as a civil marriage or civil partnership.
There will be a commitment to produce new pastoral guidance in relation to the discernment of vocation, replacing the 1991 statement “Issues in Human Sexuality”, to which all clergy currently are asked to assent.
Drawing from the feedback received through Living in Love and Faith, the bishops also identify a number of key areas for further reflection and work.
Under the proposals, same-sex couples would still not be able to get married in a Church of England church, but could have a service in which there would be prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or for God’s blessing on the couple in church following a civil marriage or partnership.
The formal teaching of the Church of England as set out in the canons and authorised liturgies – that Holy Matrimony is between one man and one woman for life – would not change.
The prayers would be voluntary for clergy to use and could be used in different combinations reflecting the theological diversity of the Church.
The proposals for the Church of England follow a discussion at the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops from around the world last year on topics including same-sex marriage and blessings.
During that discussion, the Archbishop of Canterbury made clear that the majority of the churches in the Anglican Communion continue to affirm traditional teaching on marriage, but that some have already come to a different view on sexuality “after long prayer, deep study and reflection on understandings of human nature” and now bless or celebrate same-sex unions.
Alongside the published report the bishops of the Church of England will be publishing a letter in which they apologise to LGBTQI+ people.
The letter will also speak honestly about their ongoing disagreements over the possibility of changing the Church’s teaching on marriage itself.
But they will emphasise a clear and strong desire to continue to “walk together” amid their differences.
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chaired the group of bishops which led the process of discernment and decision making, said: “I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all who have participated in the process which has brought us to this point.
“I know that this has been costly and painful for many on all sides of the debate and has touched on deeply personal matters and strongly held beliefs.
“We have been moved by what we have heard and seen. And what has come through very clearly, even though there continues to be disagreement among the bishops and among the wider church on these questions, is a strong desire to continue to share our life together in Christ with all our differences.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “Over the last six years, we have been confronted time and time again with examples of the rejection, exclusion, and hostility that many LGBTQI+ people have received in churches.
“Both personally and on behalf of my fellow bishops I would like to express our deep sorrow and grief at the way LGBTQI+ people and those they love have been treated by the Church which, most of all, ought to recognise everyone as precious and created in the image of God.
“We are deeply sorry and ashamed and want to take this opportunity to begin again in the spirit of repentance which our faith teaches us.
“This is not the end of that journey but we have reached a milestone and I hope that these prayers of love and faith can provide a way for us all to celebrate and affirm same-sex relationships.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “I would like to thank all those across the Church of England who have participated in this deeply prayerful and theologically grounded process of discernment over the last six years.
“This response reflects the diversity of views in the Church of England on questions of sexuality, relationships and marriage – I rejoice in that diversity and I welcome this way of reflecting it in the life of our church.
“I am under no illusions that what we are proposing today will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others, but it is my hope that what we have agreed will be received in a spirit of generosity, seeking the common good.
“Most of all I hope it can offer a way for the Church of England, publicly and unequivocally, to say to all Christians and especially LGBTQI+ people that you are welcome and a valued and precious part of the body of Christ.”
Once the proposals have been debated by Synod, the House of Bishops will refine the prayers and then commend them for use.
Meanwhile a new group would be set up to produce new pastoral guidance to explain the practical implications of the bishops’ proposals and replace previous guidance and statements including Issues in Human Sexuality.
Synod will be asked to discuss the proposals in detail during its meeting from February 6 to 9, with the main debate on the proposals due to take place on February 8.
Joint statement from Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm
We wholeheartedly endorse the Response from the Bishops of the Church of England about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage, and encourage you to read all the resources and material it offers.
We join our voices to the pastoral letter, we commend consideration of the Prayers of Love and Faith, we will support the work of the Pastoral Consultative Group, and we commit ourselves to continuing engagement.
We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the Living in Love and Faith over the past five years.
Bishop Libby and the Diocesan General Synod representatives, who reflect the breadth of the Church of England in their conviction about these matters, will engage fully February’s General Synod.
We will continue to listen, and bring to our Diocese further consideration as appropriate.
We trust that, as a diocese, we will continue to journey across our diversity, as we have done thus far, with generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love.
As is said in the Pastoral Letter included in the Response: ‘Our conversations, learning and prayer continue. We have reached one milestone, but there is further to go as we seek God’s coming kingdom together’.
Be assured of our continuing prayers.
+Libby Derby +Malcolm Repton
>> Draft prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God’s blessing for same-sex couples published
More about LLF
Living in Love and Faith (LLF) explores Christian teaching and learning about human identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
The Church of England's extensive LLF resources draw together the bible, theology, science and history with real-life stories.
They were commissioned by the House of Bishops and include a book, a series of films and podcasts and a course following three years’ work by a group of more than 40 people from across the Church.
They are intended to initiate a process of whole Church learning and engagement in 2021, within a clear timeframe, that will contribute to the Bishops’ discernment of a way forward in relation to questions of human identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
The Living in Love and Faith resources include a 480-page book, a series of films and podcasts and an online library of other publications.
Introducing the Diocese of Derby’s Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG)
Disability inclusion and access is taken very seriously by the Diocese of Derby.
Volunteers, with a range of disabilities and challenges, who all share the passion of making positive change across the diocese launched the DIAG to support the diocese and parishes to become as inclusive to disabled people as they possibly can be.
Our work is focused around three key themes - Attitude, Access, and Agency.
These themes arise from the paper ‘Disabling Church’ researched and written by Cptn Tim Rourke, which was received and endorsed by Diocesan Synod in October 2021.
The report focused on changing attitudes towards disabled people, improving access to all the church’s activities, and ensuring disabled people are enabled to exercise agency by participating at all levels in church life and governance.
The group meet regularly and is chaired by Carl Veal. The group always welcomes interest and/or enquiries from congregation and churches across the diocese.
What can we do for you?
We view our purpose as serving the needs of the disabled within the Diocese of Derby.
All of our activities and tools are designed by the group towards making the lives of those with challenges easier within the churches across our diocese.
Our information is intended for all the people of the diocese; clergy, church leaders and parishoners alike and currently includes:
- The provision of accessibility advice and you may contact us directly at diag@derby.anglican.org. We would love to hear from you.
- As we progress, we will be offering seminars both online and in groups – keep a look out for announcements.
- We can offer advice based on the very personal experiences of living with a range of disabilities. The members of the diag group are comprised of volunteers mostly with disability or multiple disabilities of some form.
We are currently working on making available a Braille print toolkit; and a BSL toolkit which willl include how to engage British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters. We are also liiking into access to completing a successful accessibility audit through an audit toolkit.
NB: All contact is treated in confidence and information will only be shared with express consent.
Getting Involved
We’d love to hear from you as your thoughts and experiences of church life and disability are important in developing best practice.
So whether you’re an individual with ‘lived’ or ‘caring' experience of disability, or a church, or community organisation, do get in contact with us.
We love to hear of new projects and events, and if you want to get more involved then we're always welcoming to new members joining our steering group.
DIAG related stories on the Diocese of Derby website
>> Bishop Malcolm experiences church from a wheelchair user’s perspective
>> Special service raises awareness of disability inclusion in churches
Resources
Special Edition - Disability Matters - June 2025 [PDF]
Bulletin produced by the CofE Disability Task Group to draw attention to the Government's proposed Welfare Reforms and how this could affect people.
Ramps - improving wheelchair access [YouTube]
Disability Awareness Sunday [webpage]
Supporting Autistic individuals in our churches [YouTube]
DIAG Chairman's report 2021-2022 [PDF]
All Stand brochure [PDF]
Disabling Church - report by Cptn Tim Rourke C.A. [PDF]
'Support Reimagined' - CofE and Livability [webpage]
Christian BSL
Songs, hymns, and carols in British Sign Language (BSL) signed by Deaf Christians.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
2025 date to be announced. Purpose of the day is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.
Through the Roof
A registered charity that exists to transform lives through Jesus with disabled people.
