Dave King
All services begin at 7.30pm. The doors will be open from 6.45pm for signing of the register.
Dates and venues for the Visitation Services 2024 are:
Derby City Deanery (Derby City and South Derbyshire Archdeaconry)
Monday, 10 June 2024
Sinfin Moor Church
Hardwick Deanery (East Derbyshire Archdeaconry)
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
St Barnabas, Danesmoor
Dove and Derwent Deanery (Derbyshire Peak and Dales Archdeaconry)
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
St Alkmunds, Duffield
Mercia Deanery (Derby City and South Derbyshire Archdeaconry)
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
St Wystans, Repton
Peak Deanery (Derbyshire Peak and Dales Archdeaconry)
Monday, 24 June 2024
St Peter, Fairfield
Carsington Deanery (Derbyshire Peak and Dales Archdeaconry)
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
All Saints, Brailsford
North East Deanery (East Derbyshire Archdeaconry)
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
St Thomas, Brampton
South East Derbyshire Deanery (East Derbyshire Archdeaconry)
Wednesday, 3 July 2024
St Andrew, Langley Mill
During the service the wardens will be corporately admitted, and the archdeacon will deliver his/her charge.
PLEASE NOTE: To be admitted as a church warden, the relevant paperwork (see 2. below) should be completed and signed AND a Visitation service must be attended. Both are essential elements.
1. Attendance by all elected Churchwardens at a Visitation
There are eight visitation services across the diocese, and it should be possible for a warden to find one which is convenient. Remember, it is possible to attend a service outside the warden’s area but this must be indicated on the form. It is always preferred that they attend in their own deanery, or at least, archdeaconry if that is not possible.
Any warden who does not attend a visitation service will not be admitted as a churchwarden unless special arrangements are made with the relevant Archdeacon’s PA.
Any such special arrangements will need to have been processed by Friday, 30 August 2024. Please note that if special arrangements are needed, this adds significantly to the DBF costs so please make every effort to attend a visitation service.
The Archdeacons will be available after the service and will be very happy to speak with any wardens (especially those who are taking on the responsibility for the first time).
>> Download the citation [PDF]
2. Certificate of Election
>> Certificate of Election 2024 [Word]
>> Certificate of Election 2024 [PDF]
>> Visitations 2024: notes for Clergy, PCC secretaries and churchwardens [PDF]
Please print this off and churchwardens should complete this form after the Annual Meeting of Parishioners. Those churches where more than two wardens are elected (e.g. a team parish) should print off and complete additional forms for all their wardens.
The completed form(s) should be returned by email to: Visitations@derby.anglican.org OR by post to: Archdeacons’ Office, Derby Church House, Full Street, Derby, DE1 3DR.
NB: if a Lay Chair is also to be sworn in as churchwarden, it is important that the election of churchwardens is chaired by someone else (e.g. Area Dean, PCC Treasurer or member of the clergy) and that person should complete and sign the section of the certificate directed at the incumbent.
Important - Data Forms
We are aware there are some gaps (and old information) on our CMS system relating to church wardens
This is because the data form has not been completed by every warden, and without this, we cannot include their details on the contact management system.
To ensure we have all warden information up to date on CMS, we would be extremely grateful if every warden this year could complete and return the data form included in this email, along with their certificate of election. In forthcoming years, this will be applicable to new wardens only’.
>> Diocese of Derby Data Form [PDF]
>> Diocese of Derby Data Form [Word]
See also
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 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
Join our Bishops in reflection each Monday through Lent (online)
During Lent, Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm are offering online reflection and study (on the Gospel reading for previous Sunday) on Mondays at 8am, and repeated at 8pm, for 45 minutes.
The sessions will be held on 19 February, 26 February, 4 March, 11 March and 18 March.
You can join using the below details:
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 324 083 833 542
Passcode: u7iFMn
What is the 2027 Community of Prayer?
We are the Diocese of Derby network of prayer – praying together, as we prepare to celebrate our centenary in 2027, for transformed lives in growing church and building community the length and breadth of our diocese.
Our shared prayer across the diocese is the frame that holds us together as God weaves the threads of our lives, our worship, witness and work for Christ, into something beautiful.
We hope that over the next five years 2027 people will commit to regular prayer, as individuals, and as churches, groups or schools.
Why join the 2027 Community of Prayer?
Our Christian lives begin and end in prayer: in prayer the Spirit unites us to God and to one another; in prayer we are changed ever more into the likeness of Christ; in prayer we are equipped for our Heavenly Father’s service.
Being rooted in prayer nourishes our shared values of generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love. Prayer is essential as we engage afresh in living out the 5 Marks of Mission – to tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure – in response to the vision God has given us of the Kingdom of God as good news for all.
Prayer is a demonstration of our love and commitment to all the people and places of our diocese in Derbyshire, the city of Derby, and beyond.
Who can join the 2027 Community of Prayer?
Anyone can join - everyone who wants to be part of this movement of prayer. We pray for God’s Kingdom to come in our diocese – please join us.
You can become a Companion of the 2027 Community of Prayer as an individual, and as a church or group, or as a school.
As a 2027 Community of Prayer Companion (individual), you commit yourself to praying the Lord’s Prayer, the diocesan Vision Prayer and for those on the diocesan Cycle of Prayer every day. We may also occasionally suggest other relevant prayers that you may like to use.
As a 2027 Community of Prayer Church, and commit your worshipping context (in parish church, chaplaincy, BMO, fresh expression, church plant or other congregation) to praying the Lord’s Prayer, the diocesan Vision Prayer and for those on the diocesan Cycle of Prayer at least weekly. We may also occasionally suggest other relevant prayers that you may like to use.
As a 2027 Community of Prayer School, you commit to praying the Lord’s Prayer, the diocesan Vision Prayer and for those on the diocesan Cycle of Prayer every week. We may also occasionally suggest other relevant prayers that you may like to use.
We will also occasionally keep you updated with other prayer resources as part of your daily or monthly email.
How do I join the 2027 Community of Prayer
Simply use this form to register your membership, and also to register for emails for the Cycle of Prayer if you would like to receive it.
Please note: If, after a while, you can't find any emails you have requested, please check your spam folder.
Other prayer resources
If you want to go further in prayer we have resources for all ages and contexts, and information about prayer events for you to use and join in with.
How we use your data:
If you register as a member of the 2027 Prayer Community, we will use your data only for the purpose of administering the community and for informing you of developments in the community, such as when the community reaches milestones, and quiet days.
By opting to receive the Cycle of Prayer (either monthly or daily) you are consenting to us sending you emails on that basis, solely for that purpose, and for occasionally including in those emails other prayer resources that are relvant to the 2027 Prayer Community.
Your email address will not be shared with any third party or added to any other mailing list as a result of you consenting to recieve the Cycle of Prayer.
Vision Prayer
Gracious God,
in your mercy and for your glory,
renew us, reshape us, revive us –
with generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love –
that, in transformed lives through growing church and building community,
we may see your Kingdom come and be good news for all.
Amen.
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.
The diocesan churchyard regulations cover the erection of memorials and gravestones in churchyards.
Any memorial needs permission before it can be placed in a churchyard.
These Regulations are made by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Derby to explain how to get permission, and what is likely to be permitted.
If a memorial or other item is placed in a churchyard without permission, then the chancellor can order its removal immediately.
Churchyards differ from local authority cemeteries in that they are attached to a church building which is often listed, or otherwise of historic or architectural interest, and used by a worshipping community.
As such there needs to be more careful control over what memorials can be placed there.
The form below is for all churchyard memorial applications, those which can be approved by Incumbents, Rural Deans and Archdeacons and, when the request falls outside their delegated authority, as the petition to the Chancellor for a faculty.
>> Diocese of Derby Churchyard Memorial Application Form (Nov 2022) [PDF]
A vacancy is the time between one incumbent leaving and the next starting.
Vacancies are an integral part of the life of all parish churches.
They can be a time for opportunity and growth, but may also be a time of anxiety and difficulty.
These FAQs are for parishes approaching or embarking upon a vacancy and are intended for those who have particular responsibilities during vacancies, including PCC members and churchwardens.
During a vacancy the area dean and churchwardens legally become ‘sequestrators’, i.e. the bishop’s officers in the parish.
The area dean will be the first point of contact for churchwardens and others seeking advice and support in the day-to-day running of the parish.
The wardens with the PCC will need to decide whether the wardens, ministry team or standing committee are the core working group for overseeing the life of the parish during the vacancy.
Other licensed and authorised ministers and those with leadership roles in the church also have a part to play in the practical aspects of church life.
► How to find cover for services during a vacancy
It will be important to publicise the list of who is going to look after (not singlehandedly running) different areas of church life – enquiries about baptism, pastoral visiting, home/study groups, church rotas etc.
A vacancy is not just a period of ‘marking time’ but may be a time of creative discovery and for enjoying the benefits of co-operative ministry within the church and with neighbouring parishes.
You area dean and archdeacon can help you with this.
Please also see the Vacancy Process flowchart.
FAQs
-
How long will we have to wait before we get a new vicar? +
This is going to vary considerably from one vacancy to another, but it is best to plan on an absolute minimum of a year. This is because, due to the pandemic, there are a high number of vacancies awaiting recruitment. Even when a successful candidate has been found, they will have to give three months' notice in their current diocese. It is also worth bearing in mind that the drop in common fund payments has meant that it is not always possible to recruit on a ‘like-for-like’ basis. Thoughts and possibilities will be discussed with you at the initial vacancy meeting, but thinking creatively is the name of the game. -
How do I cover church services whilst we have no vicar? +
Please bear with us, we are looking at how we can produce lists of people you can approach for cover without contravening GDPR guidelines. However, you can always ask your archdeacon and the bishops if they have any capacity to help out with a service or two. Your deanery administrator may also know of likely people for you to approach.
-
Is there anything I can read to help us out in the meantime? +
Here is a very useful publication which is readily available – So the Vicar's Leaving: The Good Interregnum Guide: Amazon.co.uk: Alexander, Mike, Martineau, Jeremy, Wood, Ron: 9781853115059: Books
-
We are undertaking some building work - what permissions do we need? +
Nigel Sherratt and Kat Alldread in the DAC office are always happy to help and advise:
Nigel Sherratt: nigel.sherratt@derby.anglican.org
Kat Alldread: kat.alldread@derby.anglican.org
For help finding a reputable tradesperson, see: nationalchurchestrust.org/Maintenancebooker
To discuss the possibility of a grant to help with your work: Gareth Greenwood: Gareth.Greenwood@derby.anglican.org -
We have a query relating to a churchyard / marriage / death is there a guide available on this? +
Yes, there is.
For churchyard questions, please see the latest Churchyard Regulations.
And there is further information on these subjects on our the; Derby Diocesan Registry website.
-
What process will we need to follow to fill our vacancy? +
To give you an idea of the process and steps to follow in recruiting a new incumbent, please see here.. They will be small variances depending on local circumstances. -
Who gets involved with advertising and recruiting a new vicar? +
Your parish(es) will nominate either one or two representatives who will form a panel, together with the local area dean, archdeacon and patrons, if appropriate. If you are in a larger, multi-parish benefice, the number involved from each church would usually be tailored to ensure proportional representation. Together, this panel will make decisions relating to how to advertise and interview and will be involved on the interview day itself. The bishop will also wish to see the application forms relating to any possible candidates, and will have an informal chat with your preferred candidate prior to an offer letter being issued. -
What documents will be required to advertise? +
The benefice/parish(es) concerned will work together to create a profile and advert, whilst the area dean and archdeacon will work on job and role descriptions, plus source a letter from the Bishop to include for potential applicants. Cathy in the archdeacons’ office has lots of examples of all of these, plus interview question templates, so please contact her if you wish to have some emailed across to you (cathy.luffman@derby.anglican.org ).
-
Where should we advertise? +
It is down to the parishes, but the choices are:
- Diocesan website (free of charge)
- Church Times (Approx £1000 to advertise ‘until filled) in a succinct advert in both paper and on their website
- Pathways (Church of England recruitment tool). Approximately £80
- Networks such as New Wine
- Patronage websites, e.g. the CPAS one. -
What happens at the interview? +
It is common to have both a formal interview (which will usually include a 10-minute presentation) before the formal panel, plus an opportunity for the candidate(s) to visit the parishes, possibly have lunch with people from the wider church or local school communities, and also be able to have a viewing of the vicarage. This process can be done over a day, two days, or sometimes more.
-
Who do I ask for help if we don’t know the answer to something? +
If you are stuck for an answer, please do shout up to your local area dean or archdeacon and they will do their best to help.
-
What is ‘pastoral reorganisation’ and how does that affect our vacancy? +
The term ‘pastoral reorganisation’ refers to the processes that occur when there are proposals which require legal changes, such as re-drawing of parish boundaries, a change to which property to use as the vicarage or the re-configuration of parishes to modify the benefice structure.
-
I have received a letter referring to ‘suspension of presentation’. What does that mean? +
Suspension of presentation is the temporary removal of a patron's right to present an incumbent to a benefice. Where churches have patrons, whether parishes are ‘in suspension’ or not, we would usually involve them in the process anyway, as a matter of courtesy. The bishop will remain responsible for the cure of souls which she/he will normally exercise by licensing a priest-in-charge.
-
Who pays the advertising and interview costs? +
This is usually split (fairly) between the parishes concerned. Anticipated costs which may be incurred:
- Advertising
- For interviews, the parish would usually offer to pay reasonable travel and accommodation expenses. -
How many applications should we expect to get? +
At the moment, we are looking at anything from six down to zero. Confidence for a move is still fairly low, although we are hoping things will gradually improve as and when we return to ‘normal’.
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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.
How to use Amazing GRACE
The website is designed to support those facilitating or leading the Amazing GRACE course.
Here you can access and download all the resources you need:
course booklet, prayers, videos and transcriptions, etc..
Each week we also tell you what you need to prepare in advance of the following week's session.
Read the welcome from Bishops Libby, John and Malcolm.
Get started
If you plan to lead this course in your context, get started by downloading the Leaders' Introduction Manual.
Or first read through some of the information below.
Information + all the resources for the six weekly sessions
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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
