Items filtered by date: December 2015

 Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, was alive with activity as they marked 200 years since the beginning of the modern railway.

George Stephenson Day took place on Saturday 27 August – the anniversary of the first journey of Locomotion No. 1; the engine Stephenson built in 1825.

That short 26-mile journey from Shildon to Stockton changed the world, opening up travel, trade and opportunity in a way never seen before.

Over 800 visitors walked through the doors of Holy Trinity on the Saturday. Families, railway enthusiasts, local historians and locals came together to learn about George Stephenson, who is buried at Holy Trinity.

A costumed interpreter brought him to life, meeting visitors, posing for photographs and gave talks on “The Railway That Changed the World.”

Revd Jilly Hancock said “There was a wonderful atmosphere all day, full of curiosity, conversation and community spirit. Revd Malcolm Pyatt led a short service of reflection and thanks, and it was a day full of God’s blessing, as we celebrated both our heritage and the people who made it possible. Our hope is that through this project, Stephenson’s legacy and the light of God’s presence in this place, will continue to inspire future generations.”

The celebrations continued on Sunday, with a service of thanksgiving, giving glory to God for the vision, courage and creativity that shaped our modern world.

Among those who attended the service were the Duke of Devonshire, Sir Andrew Haines - Chief Executive of Network Rail, Pam Liversidge - President of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, HM Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt and Mr Tom Ingle.

The service gave thanks not only for George Stephenson but also for the generations of railway workers, miners, engineers and families whose work has shaped Chesterfield’s story.

The weekend formed part of a wider heritage project, supported by a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from East Midlands Railway, Cross Country Rail, the Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors and Holy Trinity Church.

Over the next two years, the project will see Holy Trinity transformed into both a place of worship and a heritage destination, with new interpretation displays, school and community activities and a dedicated visitor space within the church.

As well as celebrating Stephenson’s life and achievements, the project will explore Chesterfield’s wider industrial story, the growth of the town in the Victorian era, the Clay Cross Company and the region’s mining history.

It will also mark 40 years since the Miners’ Strike, providing space to reflect on how industry has shaped our communities and our faith.

Holy Trinity has always been proud of its connection to George Stephenson, but this weekend was a reminder that his story is about more than engineering. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and faith, qualities that still inspire us today.

Featured on the photograph (L-R): HM Lord lieutenant, Sir Andrew Haines, Pam Liversage, Duke of Devonshire, High Sherriff of Derbyshire and his police cadet, Revd Jilly Hancock, Revd Malcolm Pyatt, David Nightingale, Mayor of Liverpool, Mayor of Chesterfield

Our Growing Younger team recently met with Revd James Lee, Team Vicar in the North Wingfield Team about how his team are encouraging families with a new Sunday afternoon service.

Q: Hi James, can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

James: My name is Revd James Lee and since last September, I’ve been Team Vicar in the North Wingfield Team, which is a team of five churches just south of Chesterfield.

Q: What was your motivation for starting your new service? 

James: Of our five churches, four meet on Sunday mornings, but St Barnabas Danesmoor has been a small afternoon congregation for many years, meeting at 5pm. Soon after I started I had a strong sense that there was a brilliant opportunity here for a family-friendly afternoon service for the many families who access the St Barnabas Centre throughout the week. I found that others I spoke to felt the same – and the scale of opportunity was confirmed by seeing 92 people (including nearly 50 children) come to our Christingle service last December.

And so a small team of us began working to launching this new service, which we decided to move to 4pm (as a better time for families) and call ‘St Barnabas@4’.

Q: What does the service look like now? 

James: We launched St Barnabas@4 in February and it’s been a fun roller-coaster ride ever since. If you were to walk in on a Sunday, you’d find us sat round tables in a relaxed style, with paper for drawing/doodling covering each table, with pens, fidget toys and a craft available, as well a play area at the back.

But as you stay, you’ll find that we seek to incorporate many of the normal parts of a regular service – songs, confession, Bible reading, prayers and a short talk – but with a very clear communication that it is ok for children to make noise, run around and play. This has been the most frequent comment from parents – that they’ve been able to come and relax and enjoy it, because they’re not constantly stressing about the noise their child is/could make.

Q: How have you seen your ministry grow? What do you think was the catalyst for this? 

James: We were blown away by having 71 people there on our first week, though I was always aware that ‘regular numbers’ would likely fall off from that. We’ve settled into an average of around 40-45 people each week, about half of whom are children, which is great.

But more than just numbers, it’s been really exciting to see a sense of community and belonging begin to grow – we’ve recently seen our first baptism, with interest in thanksgiving services too. We’re looking to grow our team as well, encouraging people to consider how they might be able to get involved.

As to a catalyst for growth – I think the excellent connections developed over many years at the St Barnabas Centre have been a big part of it, as well as the importance of sharing food together at 5pm each week too! It’s been really encouraging to see people start to invite their own families and friends to come along too!

Q: What is your recent success? 

James: Aside from the blessing of having a baptism a few weeks ago, we’ve had some big highlights over recent months, particularly having a live donkey (and a horse) with us on Palm Sunday and having a big Easter Party with over 100 people coming along!

Q: How has this impacted your wider church community?

James: It’s been an encouragement within our Team of church to see so many children and young people coming along, with St Barnabas going from our smallest congregation to nearly the largest, and is helping us think through what more we can be doing to engage with children and young people across the team.

It’s also given us a closer connection point between the brilliant work of the team at the St Barnabas Centre, and all they do for the community, and St Barnabas Church.

Q: Do you have plans going forward for your current ministry, or anything new starting? 

James: My key watchword for St Barnabas@4 is ‘sustainable’ – it’d be very easy to come in, do a flashy new thing and then fizzle out after six months, but  we’re determined to build something stable and faithful to last for many years to come – still looking to make things good quality and staying fresh, without going in for gimmicks etc.

Our focus at present is building something to last, though we are always considering how to adapt and make things better. Our hope is, in time, to introduce a simple celebration of communion, and explore whether those who attend might be interested in a smaller bible study group. There’s lots of other possibilities too – the challenge is being patient to see what God is calling us into next!

Q: What has challenged you or your team, or continues to challenge you?

James: One of the challenges has been starting with a relatively small team, without a long lead-in time before we launched. But alongside that, it’s been encouraging to see people getting involved in helping out in lots of different ways too.

Also, building community takes time! Many of those who come along have little history of attending church and there are weeks where the number of people there fluctuates a lot, which is normal – I have to keep reminding myself not to judge things solely on numbers!

Q: How would you encourage churches who are thinking of starting out with a children’s or youth ministry? 

James: I would encourage all churches to have ‘Growing Younger’ as a key part of your discussions at PCC and as a church team – to think through what will best enable you to reach children and young people in your area.

Also, have courage to try things! We had no idea how things would go with St Barnabas@4, no idea if anyone would turn up, but we felt this was the opportunity God was leading us towards – so we went for it!

Q: We would love to pray for you, what specifics can we pray for? 

James: Please do pray for us as we continue to get established, for God to be at work to bring more people along, as well as building us into a loving, caring, welcoming community of people who are getting to know Jesus better together. 

Please pray as well for us to continue to find creative and engaging ways to help both adults and young people to be engaging with God’s Word, and to be able to build something that is sustainable for the long term.

Last weekend saw two special services take place to say farewell and thank you to the Venerable Karen Hamblin, as she looks forward to her retirement.

The services were held on Saturday 13th at St John’s church, Walton and on Sunday 14th at Derby Cathedral. 

The special evensong at Derby Cathedral was beautifully sung by the Girls and Lay Clerks of the Cathedral Choir, the first lesson was taken from Isaiah 63.1-16 and the second lesson, read by archdeacon Karen, was Corinthians 1.8-25. Prayers were led by Archdeacon Matthew and Archdeacon Nicky. 

The sermon was taken by Revd Alicia Dring, who reflected on why people are called to ministry.

“A life in ministry is costly and demanding but it is worth every moment to see lives changed, communities built, and hope restored. Karen, I have seen you do this throughout your life. Planting seeds, watering with encouragement and kindness, pruning with love when needed, but always, always encouraging growth.”

She also presented Archdeacon Karen with an olive tree, explaining that Karen often gave olive trees to couples she married as something to grow with them throughout the seasons of their marriage. 

“Here is an olive tree for that next season. One where you continue to share God’s light and love and hope, but maybe now there will be time and space to sit and actually watch things grow rather than having to dash onto the next thing.” 

At the end of the service, Bishop Libby reflected on Karen time in the diocese and how she shown such Generous Faith, Courageous Hope and Life-giving Love. She added that it was appropriate that Karen’s last day in ministry had been spent at the Bishop’s badge service honouring the gifts, ministry, service and mission of the whole people of God across the whole diocese.

Archdeacon Karen was then divested of her Archidiaconal Cope by Archdeacon Matthew and Archdeacon Nicky. The cope was taken to the high alter marking the end of Karen’s role as an Archdeacon. 

Karen was presented with a hamper of goodies and joined guests for refreshments after the service. 

You can watch the service on Derby Cathedral’s YouTube channel here

Photos from the service are here

Rev Ailsa Hunt was ordained as Priest in July this year. We asked her to reflect on her curacy so far, and where she has seen God at work in the communities around her. 

"I started curacy licensed to one church (Kirk Hallam) but am now licensed to five, with my training incumbent Rev Christine French now priest in charge of the West Hallam, Stanley, Stanley Common and Mapperley benefice too. I love the variety which this has brought to my curacy and am grateful to serve in several different contexts.

"I started my curacy holding tight to this verse: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27: 13), and certainly I have seen the Lord’s goodness in too many ways to mention! One example is through a reflective prayer space I ran in a state primary school, during Children’s Mental Health Week. It was themed around Psalm 139: 14, helping the children to think about words of affirmation – what made them amazing and wonderful. It was hard that some children struggled to think of something amazing about themselves, but then a beautiful glimpse of God at work when other children gently suggested something to them.

"Ministry with children has also helped me to grow in readiness to speak of the hope that is within me! I remember one evening when I was talking to a local cubs group about Easter. I had spoken about Good Friday and then everyone started talking at once – “Jesus lived with the Romans?” “They put nails in his hands?!” “That was not a good Friday.” “Why did Jesus have to die?”. I love how children’s quick-fire theological questions have challenged me to get better at communicating Christian hope in a succinct way which works for the context.

 "For me the biggest joy so far of being a priest is being able to offer formal blessings. I find there is a hunger for blessing in our parishes. Last year I was asked by one village school to do formal blessings in collective worship, and had to explain that I couldn’t until priested. It was a moment to treasure when I could offer a blessing for the year 6 leavers at this little school. I have long been drawn to Celtic blessings and poems of blessing, and often use Jan Richardson’s beautiful book Circle of Grace. Being able to offer blessings myself feels like a fulfilment of something that has been tugging at my heart for a long time."

25 September

The Revd Josephine (Jo) Harbidge, Assistant Curate of the benefice of Walton St John, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Academic and Formational Tutor at St Hild College. Jo's last day in post will be 31 October 2025. 

The Revd Katherine (Kate) Plant, Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Breadsall and of the benefice of Morley with Smalley, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed part-time Associate Vicar of Bingley Holy Trinity with St Wilfrid's Gilstead, and St Michael and All Angels Cottingley, Diocese of Leeds.

18 September

The Revd Nicholas (Nick) Green, Vicar of the benefice of Walton St John, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Christchurch Stockton, Diocese of Durham.

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the following clergy have taken on additional responsibilities in the diocese alongside their current roles, and were licensed on Sunday, 7 September, as follows:

The Revd Katrina Jenkins: Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) in the benefices of Matlock Bank and Tansley, of Darley, South Darley and Winster, and of Matlock Bath and Cromford.

The Revd Stephen Monk: Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) in the benefices of Matlock, Dethick, Lea and Holloway and of Matlock Bank and Tansley.

The Revd Richard Reade: Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) in the benefices of Matlock, Dethick, Lea and Holloway, of Darley, South Darley and Winster, and of Matlock Bath and Cromford.

The Revd Catherine (Cathie) Watson, Assistant Curate in the Benefices of Allestree St Edmund and Darley Abbey, of Allestree St Nicholas and of Quarndon, Diocese of Derby, has announced her resignation as she moves to the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Cathie’s last day in post will be 24 September 2025.

Derby Cathedral welcomed people from all over the diocese on Sunday 14 September for the annual Bishop's Badge service. 

This special service celebrates ministry and service in the church and the community. The Bishop of Derby's badges recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing in Jesus' name to the mission of the church. 

The service was led by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. The reflections were given by the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. Music for the service is sung by the Girls and Lay Clerks of the Cathedral Choir. 

A second service will take place on Sunday 5 October. 

Awards for Missional Innovation

Mary Cox, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Margaret Crouch, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Martin Frost, St Michael, Sutton-on-the-Hill

Chris Hartshorn, St Wilfrid, West Hallam

Steven Hughes, St Michael and All Angels, South Normanton

Clarke Lomas, St Leonard, Thorpe

Don McLure, All Saints, Mackworth

Andrew Wright, St Oswald, Ashbourne

Janet Wright, St Oswald, Ashbourne

Awards for Missional Service

David Allen, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Josie Allman, St Michael, Stanton by Bridge

Elizabeth Arnold, St George, Ticknall

Lorna Barnett, St Mark, Winshill

Paul Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Alec Bemment, St Wilfrid, Egginton

Robin Blackwell, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Alex Carter, The Parish of Dethick, Lea and Holloway

Penny Carter, The Parish of Dethick, Lea and Holloway

Lynne Clark, St Peter, Edensor

Barbara Coe, The Parish of St Matthew

Brian Dawson, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Ann Ellis, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

John Fletcher, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Margaret Foster, Alvaston

Elaine Hanson, St Werburgh, Spondon

Rachel Heath, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Geoff Howell, The Parish of St Matthew

Carol Jenkins, St Michael, Stanton by Bridge

Keith Jennison, Sinfin Moor Benefice 

Chris Jones, St Peter, Littleover & Blagreaves

Griselda Kerr, St Michael with St Mary, Melbourne

Sally Knapp, St Wilfrid, West Hallam and St Andrew’s, Stanley

Irene Lawrence, St Bartholomew, Whittington

John Mazillius, St Andrew, Stanley

Kathryn Mazillius, St Andrew, Stanley

Simon Melen, St George, Ticknall

Sandra Morris, United Church of All Saints, Stanley Common

Jane Mortimer, All Saints, Kirk Hallam

Anne Musson, St Lawrence, Heanor

Elizabeth Newton, Walbrook Epiphany

Brian Parker, St John, Long Eaton

Pauline Piggin, St Werburgh, Spondon

Celia Potter, The Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Audrey Rose, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Alan Sheldon, St Thomas and St Mark, Brampton

Jacques Sigston, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Joan Suiter, Sawley 

Jennifer Swabey, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Tony Taylor, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley.

Marilyn Trueman, St Bartholomew, Whittington

Liz Turner, St Anne, Beeley

Ann Unwin, St Mary, Tissington

Photos from the event are available here

More photos will be added shortly

A brand-new step-free path at St James Church Idridgehay has been installed, marking the completion of a long-awaited accessibility to connect the roadside to the heart of the church.

This initiative has been years in the making, driven by a shared vision of accessibility and inclusion. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) recognised the challenges faced by many in the community, especially those with reduced mobility, when attending services or community events hosted by both the church and the Idridgehay Community Association.

St James' received a grant from the Raymond Ross Fund and support from the Diocese of Derby Buildings for Mission team, who guided them through the grant applications and church approvals process.

From tea and cake sales to garden fetes, a total of £12,000 was raised for the project, supported by the incredible generosity of the Idridgehay community.

This isn’t theirfirst major undertaking. Just three years ago, we invested over £35,000 to stabilise the church spire. While the spire may look unchanged, the effort behind preserving it was monumental. But this new path is different: it is visible, tangible, and symbolic. It represents their community’s values of inclusion, care, and unity. Whether people use a wheelchair, mobility scooter, walking aid, or push a pram, this path ensures that everyone can access their shared spiritual and social space.

Buxton is a thriving market town in the beautiful landscape of the High Peaks of Derbyshire known for its heritage as a spa town and internationally renowned Arts Festival. 

The churches are seeking an experienced. enthusiastic, pastorally hearted, missional priest to work collaboratively with them to:

Resources to support promotion of the 2025 Bishops' Harvest Appeal

Word Documents

>> Text from September Diocesan message (Bishop Malcolm)

>> Parish Magazine article promoting Harvest Appeal

Harvest Appeal Logos

>> Trees for Peace banner [JPEG]

>> Trees for Peace Logo including line from Revelations [JPEG]

>> Trees for Peace Logo including statement [JPEG]

>> Website image [JPEG]

Photos from Bujumbura

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Creationtide 2025

The Season of Creation in the Christian calendar is observed from 1 September to 4 October 2025.

This season is dedicated to prayer, reflection and action for the care of God’s creation.

Rooted and guided by the bible, it offers churches and individuals across denominations a shared opportunity to renew their relationship with the natural world.

As environmental crises deepen, this season invites a faithful response, grounded in worship, repentance and hope, for us to live more gently and justly on the Earth.

>> Creationtide resources on CofE website

This Season of Creation, churches across the country are making the Great Switch to a green tariff - and we’d love you to be a part of it.

An introduction from Will Rolls, Net Zero Carbon Programme & Projects Manager

As Christians, caring for creation is not just a response to a global crisis, it’s a reflection of who we are. We are called to love God and love our neighbours, and that includes protecting the Earth that sustains us all. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and the Church has a vital role to play not only as a moral voice but also as a steward of buildings at the heart of communities across the country. Acting on climate is a way of living out our faith, honouring the gift of creation, and standing in solidarity with those most affected.

 
What’s it all about?

God calls us to care for His creation and to love our global neighbours.

If all churches switched to a green energy tariff, that could reduce our carbon emissions by up to 78%, helping lead the way towards a cleaner, fairer future for all. 

The global climate emergency is a crisis for our world. That’s why the Church of England has an ambition to reduce our carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

Together, we can act in faith, taking small but powerful steps to help restore God’s creation. 

Taking a small step, to light the way.

Switching to a green energy tariff is a small but powerful step your church can take to reduce your environmental impact.

By choosing an ethical green energy supplier, we are:

• Ensuring our churches can be a beacon of hope for everyone.

• Actively increasing investment in renewable energy.

• Supporting ethical companies working hard to reduce carbon emissions, addressing global climate injustice.

• Demonstrating our faith in action.

What can you do?

• Together, we can take small but powerful steps to help restore God’s creation.

• Your church can join the movement and [pledge/switch], to a green tariff.

• The green energy market can be tricky to navigate, so the CofE has done the research needed to help you confidently choose an ethical green supplier.

• The Church of England website has guidance on choosing green tariffs. If you’re not quite ready to make the switch now, you can still join in by making a pledge.

• God calls us to care for His creation and to love our global neighbours - why not join the movement and make The Great Switch this Season of Creation.

Note - additional resources will be added as they become available

The Great Switch campaign toolkit

>> Access the toolkit and resources

We've Pledged graphics for social media

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"Hero" video

>> View the Hero video on YouTube