Dave King
Bishop Malcolm and his wife, Pam, visited Burundi in East Africa during July and spent time with the Diocese of Bujumbura, learning about ministry and mission in a very different context to the Diocese of Derby.
Bishop Malcolm writes:
Burundi is the poorest country in the world – the one thing it has in common with Derbyshire is a beautiful landscape of hills and valleys.
Life is very hard indeed for those who live in rural areas – the city is seen as a place of opportunity, which works for some, but even there the need for investment is always apparent.
The shadow of violent episodes in recent history remains, but people are hopeful about the future, and determined to work for peace and greater prosperity.
We found folks extremely hospitable, and rightly proud of their heritage and of their culture.
Travelling around the diocese you see just how precarious peoples’ livelihoods are.
This is especially so where steep slopes are vulnerable to flash floods in the rainy season, often causing devastating mudslides which destroying fields, homes, livelihoods, and endangering lives also.
One of the inspiring programmes the diocese is engaged with is helping local people get together in cooperatives to grow seedlings and plant trees, so that their roots will protect their fields and gardens from soil erosion.
>> The Bishop of Derby's Harvest Appeal - Trees for life Burundi
Eroded land is washed away by heavy rains
Empowering women and young people
As well as attending a glorious ordination service in the cathedral, and a wedding blessing in a village church, we had the opportunity to visit a range of innovative community projects.
The diocese is very involved in community development, the church working locally on initiatives that empower people living in poverty, especially women and young people.
Churches are full of young people – tiny, inquisitive, eager children everywhere, and older youths enjoying church as a forum for securing friendships and building community.
Whilst music and singing are lively and active, there is real depth and quality to the worship, and a sense that being Christian there is about the whole of life – home, family, livelihood – and the liturgy reflected this.
We just did two tourist things. We visited Lake Tanganyika one afternoon with Bishop Eraste - and given the immense size of the lake, it was like being at the seaside!
And we met the Royal Drummers of Burundi – which you can check out on YouTube – they were fantastic.
I look forward to opportunities to share more about the work of the Diocese of Bujumbura in the autumn, when this year’s harvest appeal will support tree planting projects there.
+Malcolm
Bishop Eraste Bigirimana at a Bujumbura tree planting event
‘And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations’ - Revelation 22.2
The Bishop of Derby's Harvest Appeal 2023 will help the people in the Diocese of Bujumbra, Burundi, fight the catastrophic effects of seasonal rains that wash away their farms, homes, land and livelihoods.
Trees for Life Burundi will assist communities there plant thousands of saplings to help stabilise and strengthen the land, whilst at the same time helping wildlife and the environment in the area and beyond.
On launching the appeal, Bishop Libby said: "Burundi is ranked as the world's poorest nation and people there desperately need help to stop their crops, livestock and buildings disappearing down a hillside as the land gets eroded by the rains.
"It is a complex situation but, fortunately, the remedy is relatively straightforward, and I am delighted that this year's appeal will offer hope to those people and communities in danger of losing everything they have."
The Bishop of Repton has recently visited Bujumbura and seen for himself the need to help the people of the East African state.
Bishop Malcolm said: "On the edge of Bujumbura in the Commune de Kanyosha there are two ‘Collines’ greatly at risk, Colline Gisovu and Colline Nyamaboko. There is currently no agro-forestry there.
According to the administrator of this commune, Kanyosha, following torrential rain and strong winds, recently more than ten dwellings, a church and a school were destroyed, and many fields were damaged; domestic animals were swept away by lightning and others by landslides.
"These hills’ inhabitants have not yet been able to take action to secure resilience to the effects of climate change."
The Diocese of Bujumbura, based in and around Burundi’s largest city, is marked by rolling hills and valleys and in that respect alone, not unlike Derbyshire.
The impact of climate change is felt by those who try to make a living by cultivating the hillsides.
Recent years have seen particularly dry dry seasons and torrential rains in the wet season, often causing flooding and devastating mudslides.
Bujumbura is working in various areas to mitigate the effects of climate change by helping local residents plant trees.
Trees hold hillsides in place, prevent erosion, and protect lives and livelihoods.
They make all the difference locally, and contribute globally to carbon capture.
Saplings ready to be planted in Burundi to help stabilise the soil
Landslides can have a far-reaching impact on communities, not only through the loss of houses and fields, but also through the destruction of critical facilities.
The loss of a school means that opportunities for education and qualifications in that community can be lost. In turn that greatly reduces the chances of getting a job, and that reduces the chances of being able to support yourself and a family adequately.
And that can lead to a loss of hope.
But the people of Bujumbura have a lot of determination and know that by planting trees - thousands of trees - the roots will grow and help stabilise the land.
They turn out in numbers to dig trenches and get planting - but they can only do that when viable saplings are available.
►Donate now◄
Locals dig trenches to start the tree-planting process
How will the Bishop of Derby's Harvest Appeal help?
The focus of the Diocese of Bujumbura’s work, with our support, will be:
- to reduce soil erosion by 20% on Gisovu and Nyamaboko hills by marking out the contours of the hillsides and planting trees strategically to offer the best protection to the land, and
- to initiate 20 climate resilience local economic groupings amongst women and young people, with a savings and credit approach to enable beneficiaries to set up a fund to help them purchase tree nursery equipment to sustain a tree planting project for the long term.
£5,000 will make possible all this possible.
If any more is raised, it will enable this immensely valuable work to be expanded to benefit residents of other collines in the neighbourhood.
Bishop Libbs said: "It is a privilege to work together with the Diocese of Bujumbura in this way. Climate change is, of course, a global phenomenon and trees planted in Bujumbura also address, to some degree, climate change in Derbyshire!
"We are one world, and one human family.
"The people of Bujumbura need our help, so let us gift them generous faith, corageous hope and life-giving love."
►Donate now◄
Land is washed away by seasonal rains, leaving a large chasm where crops used to be
How to donate
Maybe you and your church or community could work together to organise an event for the appeal.
Or you can make a personal donation using your debit or credit card at our JustGiving page.
Thank you for your support!
Carpenter Steve, who lives in the parish of Boulton St Mary and regularly attends St Philip's Chaddesden, recently revived his carpentry skills and says Jesus guided him in making a cross for the church.
He joined a “men in sheds” group in Allenton and decided to use some of the wood meant for landfill to make a cross as a surprise for Philip's.
Whilst making the cross, Steve believes he had an encounter with Jesus.
He shared the encounter with the congregation in July and received an enthusiastic response.
He said: “I decided to make a cross as a surprise for the church.
"My background was in carpentry, but I haven’t used my skills for a while.
"When I started my arm got heavy and I couldn’t understand why.
"A short time later, I got the hammer and chisel and my hands felt hard and heavy. I thought this was unusual as I never normally feel like this when doing carpentry work!
"A voice came in my head and said 'we’ll make this together'.
"I was a taken aback as the voice was clear, and I found myself asking out aloud 'who are you?'."
Steve said: "The next thing I heard was 'I am Jesus, and we will make this together. It will be a special cross for your church'.”
Steve proudly presented the cross to Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister at St Philip’s.
“Steve joined us with an interest in faith," said Revd Sarah. "He is a dearly loved member of our congregation and was recently confirmed.
"The recalling of his personal encounter with Jesus was emotional to hear and the cross will be seen and appreciated by all as Canon Julian Hollywell, Priest-in-charge of St Philip’s, has given his blessing for the cross to be placed permanently on our high altar.”
On a gloriously sunny day in May, our diocesan churchwardens and church officers met in Chapel en le Frith for our latest network event.
Officers came from across the whole diocese with one person making a round trip of over one hundred miles to attend!
Bishop Malcolm opened the day on Churchyards and Wildlife, and Revd Dr David Mundy helped us to reflect on the importance of Caring for God’s World.
We finished the morning with a Fun Faculty Quiz (and yes, faculties done this way are fun!) and a presentation on how churchyards can be great places for all sorts of fun learning activities for people of all ages.
The afternoon was a choice of discussion groups covering ‘Wildflowers, wellbeing and working together’, two churches sharing their experiences of the journey to Ecochurch, a DAC surgery and a workshop on how to publicise your parish events – ‘Communicating Well’.
We are always grateful for your feedback from these days. We read every comment and use them to help us plan future events, wherever we can.
In response to the person who put as their answer to the question ‘What could we have done better?’, “pick a rainy day”, all I can say is that we’ll try!
By Reggie D. Edmonds
Tideswell parishioner Sonia Rigg has been raising money for her local church through hang gliding.
And the feat is even more impressive given that Sonia is in her 85th year!
Sonia decided to support her local church, which is in dire need of re-wiring at a cost of around £200,000.
With the issues of ancient wiring and lighting, Sonia is hoping her church will really benefit from her endeavours.
She had been hoping to do the flight since April, but the weather wasn’t favourable. Now she is delighted to finally have had a huge success with this event.
Why hang gliding? Well, besides this just being an incredible idea, the inspiration came from her son, who has been hang gliding for 40 years.
Sonia said: “It was a really lovely experience. I could see all around and the views were super.
“Lying prone, you’re looking down and I had plenty of time to look.
“I wasn’t at all frightened.”
>> See the video of Sonia's hang gliding session [YouTube]
She achieved her goal with huge help from former world champion Judy Leden MBE and Ashbourne Hang Gliding Club.
Sonia is known for being active, and used to cycle and sail with her late husband.
She has no plans to stop taking part in charity events like this, hopefully having inspired many others to follow in her footsteps in doing awesome things to help out.
So far, Sonia has raised nearly £3,000 and donations are still coming in.
PCC Secretary Barbara Richell writes:
West Hallam's annual Well Dressing takes place every July.
This year at St Wilfrid’s we decided that our well would celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
This year, 22 of us were involved in producing our well and bringing our image of Jesus healing the paralysed man to life.
The Revd Jan Hutchinson blessed all the wells at the start of the celebrations and was the star of the show on Facebook.
The church was busy with entertainment provided by ‘Sing West Hallam’, The Imari Chorus and The Recorder Orchestra.
The bell ringers gave opportunities for visitors to ‘have a go’ and have some possible new recruits.
In spite of the heavy showers it was a very busy, successful day!
General Synod report written by Revd Neil Barber.
Ten pupils from Church of England Schools from all over the diocese have received their Bishop's Badge in recognition of their commitment to Christian values in their schools and communities.
The badges were presented by Bishop Malcom in a service at Derby Cathedral and were nominated by their head teacher for their generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love.
Pupils from St James CE Junior School led readings and prayers.
Nominating Jack, his head teacher said: "Jack took it upon himself to raise money for charity by completing a 5 km inflatable course. He requested that all donations go to the Sick Children's Trust Charity which is a charity close to his family’s heart, and has asked questions to find out how he and others can help children who are sick. Jack also shows great compassion in and out of school and was recently nominated to become an anti-bullying ambassador.
"He is very aware of the thoughts and feelings of others and values difference greatly."
Another head teacher said: "George works hard to encompass his love of nature and history to serve the Lord. He shares his knowledge generously to support the school and local community.
"George has helped to transform the lives of others by actively working with the younger children in school to be a role model independently taking on the role of pastoral support to make sure all children in school are safe, well and have a voice.
"He has taken on the role of head boy this year however, at no point has he ever put himself first he continues to put others including the adults in school first."
Other citations from head teachers included:
As Hebrews 13:16 states, ‘Generosity is a simple act’ – however, in Amber’s case, it is a way of life. Amber leads worship with dedication and empathy. She is a great friend to others and offers support to not only her peers, but to staff and visitors too. Her caring and supportive nature is ever-present and this is typified in the way she conducts herself around younger children in the school.
Cara goes above and beyond to show love and support to her peers; always noticing if someone is struggling or left out and offering friendship; showing what it means to build community by supporting and welcoming everyone. Her unquestioning support for others during tough times, even when she herself has been experiencing difficult situations, is transforming to those who she stands alongside and a model for others to follow.
Frankie shows kindness, always helping the younger children. She happily gives up her own social time to help others. Frankie lives out our school values of P.E.A.C.E – and this nomination demonstrates how she meets the C for compassion.
Despite the challenges that he has faced over the last year, Freddie has remained able to put the needs of others first. He is a fabulous role model and has earned almost all available prefect badges. He has generously shared his treatment journey with the whole school, embodying courage and inspiring his peers through his complete dedication to all that he does. As a school community, we are stronger for knowing and working with him.
Manahil shines God’s love onto everyone she meets. She encourages and supports her friends and champions them when they have done well in class or out on the playground. She reaches out when she sees someone in need and truly embodies our school’s Christian values of love, friendship, compassion and respect.
Martha is a driving force behind writing the school’s Friday worship, which she does without being prompted. Her prayers are heartfelt, beautifully sensitive and reflects meaningful links to school worship themes. Martha is generous – she gives her own time for others, despite facing many significant personal challenges. Martha cares deeply about her family, her school and broader community.
Spending time in Mia’s company enriches everyone. She does not change things by being argumentative or forceful but by modeling unfailing love. She is one of our school chaplains and works to ensure all children and adults feel welcomed and part of our collective worship. I aspire to be as positive and loving as Mia!
In 1927, the Diocese of Derby was founded and Bishop Edmund Courtenay Pearce, the first Bishop of Derby, arranged for a medal to be struck to celebrate this new beginning.
Copies of the medal were presented to prominent members of the diocese and to all those being confirmed in that year.
In recent years, the seventh Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, arranged for a replica of this medal to be minted and mounted in the form of a badge.
As the eighth Bishop of Derby, Bishop Libby continues this tradition.
Each year these badges are awarded based upon recommendations made to the bishop, as a gesture from the diocese to acknowledge outstanding service to God's church.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has announced that the next Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales will be The Revd Canon Nicky Fenton.
Nicky has served as the Acting Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales for the past four months.
As archdeacon, she will have responsibility for the western region of the diocese, from Hadfield and Glossop in the north to Sudbury and Egginton in the south, in Peak, Carsington, and Dove and Derwent Deaneries.
She will champion for rural and market town mission and ministry across the whole diocese.
On making the appointment, Bishop Libby said: “Nicky already knows and loves our diocese. She has made a significant impact as Acting Archdeacon of Peak and Dales and is deeply committed to rural and market town mission and ministry and confidently advocates that they thrive for the sake of the Kingdom of God as good news for all.
"Nicky’s experience of leading churches across a range of contexts, including in multi-parish village benefice, is complemented by her rich history of effective partnership working to bring about sustainable change for common good.
"Nicky’s professional background in education brings a commitment to schools, the flourishing of children and their families.
"The appointment panel, led by Mark Titterton, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, was impressed by Nicky’s passion and creativity and her demonstration of resourcing effective transformation.
"I am delighted that we will be continuing work together with Nicky in our diocese.
"Please pray for her and her family as they navigate the transitions of the coming months.”
Canon Nicky said: “I am delighted and thrilled to accept the invitation to be Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales. I have loved being acting archdeacon and feel deeply honoured and privileged to be able to continue the work.
“It has been an exciting adventure and I have thoroughly enjoyed forming relationships and partnerships with people across the archdeaconry.
“My prayer is that knowing we are loved by God, and supported by each other, we can give ourselves wholeheartedly to serving God in the communities and worshipping contexts we are part of; and consistently and persistently move forward in generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love.”
Diocesan Secretary Will Hagger said: “This is wonderful news for the Diocese of Derby. Nicky has excelled in the role of acting archdeacon.
"I am confident that with her knowledge of the diocese, she will be a great support for our dedicated clergy and church officers across the archdeaconry.”
Nicky will continue to serve as acting archdeacon ahead of her installation as Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales later in the year.
Eight new priests and six new deacons have been ordained by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Rt revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. The special Petertide services took place in Derby Cathedral.
Ordination services are a time to celebrate and welcome new deacons (those to be given the title Reverend) and priests (deacons who have been training under an incumbent for a year) into the diocese.
With support of family and friends, the new deacons and priests were presented to Bishop Libby and made their declarations.
Welcoming those in the cathedral, Bishop Libby said: "Ordination is a significant moment for those who are called by God to these roles, and it is the start of the next phase of their journey.
"It is also significant for all of us who are here and we must uphold and encourage them in their ministry and pray for them."
The new deacons are:
Josephine Chamings, to serve in the Benefice of Brampton St Thomas and Brampton St Mark,
Peter Dale, to serve in the Benefice of Mackworth St Francis,
Emma Mallord, to serve in the Benefice of Littleover St Peter and Blagreaves,
Clare Owen, to serve in the Benefice of Mickleover and the Parish of Radbourne,
Lisa Price, to serve in the White Peak Group and Yougreave, Middleton, Stanton-in-Peak and Birchover,
Nicholas Radford-Powell, to serve in the Benefice of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale.
>> See photos from the service of the Ordination of Deacons.
The new priests are:
Fiona Barber, to serve in the Benefice of Sinfin Moor,
Elliot George, to serve in the Benefice of Dronfield with Holmesfield,
Josephine Harbidge, to servein the Benefice of Walton St John,
Sam Mackie, to serve in the Benefice of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, the Benefice of Newhall and the Benefice of Gresley,
Fay Price, to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Alkmund and St Werburgh,
Rhiannon Singleton, to serve in the Benefice of Dinting Vale, and the Glossopdale Mission Community,
Lisa Taylor, to serve in the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston,
Cathie Watson, to serve in the St Werburgh Derby Mission Initiative.
>> See photos from the service of the Ordination of Priests.
You can find out more about the new deacons below.
Ordinands 2023 - Clare Owen
Ordinands 2023: Peter Dale
Ordinands 2023: Emma Mallord
Ordinands 2023: Josie Chamings
Ordinands 2023: Nicholas Radford-Powell
Ordinands 2023: Lisa Price
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