Dave King
National Sports Sunday aims to both encourage people to engage with sport and to become sports chaplains.
Is being a sports chaplain something you could consider?
Here are the thoughts of Revd Sarah Watson, herself a sports chaplain - and a recreational tennis player!
When people think of a sports chaplain, they may imagine the chaplain of a professional football club, and although some work with elite sportswomen and men, many serve at a much more grass-roots level serving all members in the club regardless of playing ability or role.
A sports chaplain's role will vary from club to club and sport to sport, and my role is as chaplain to Derbyshire Tennis and I am there to offer support, pastoral and spiritual care.
As a priest in the Church of England of course I am passionate about my Christian faith and the Gospel being good news to all, but I always operate by permission and I am always inclusive. I am not just there for the Christians but to serve the whole tennis community, irrespective of beliefs or lifestyle.
I am passionate about sport; I love participating and watching. It has always played a big part of my life and is unsurprisingly a big part of discipleship and ministry.
Jesus said he came to bring life in all its fullness. This is a holistic view of well-being, including both the physical and spiritual, of all involved in the community of sport to which chaplaincy has something to offer.
Most of the time I would describe my role as "holy loitering", spending time around the Derbyshire tennis world getting to know people, being a Christian presence.
Essentially I am there to serve and not be served, seeking to follow the model of Jesus.
Being a sports chaplain is both an honour and privilege.
Find out more at: https://sportschaplaincy.org.uk/
Bishop Malcolm has crowned King Charles in a special service in Derbyshire.
Charles (his real name) aged 7, was crowned King at Melbourne Infant School.
The Coronation was watched by scores of pupils and teachers at the school, who cheered as the new King greeted them wearing his ancient crown and robe and carrying his ceremonial sceptre.
Following the ceremony, the Year 2 pupil said: "It was very exciting.
"The best bit was when the crown was put on my head.
"As King, I will visit every class during the day and take part in their lessons."
Bishop Malcolm said: "It was a privilege to be asked to be part of this historic occasion and to meet so many of the pupils at Melbourne Infant School.
"Apparently, there is another coronation happening tomorrow in London, so the pupils will hopefully now have a good idea of what it's all about!"
King Charles and Bishop Malcolm were assisted by Revd Steve Short, Vicar of Melbourne, and by the school's headteacher, Mrs Gibbs, who said: "This is a historic event in the lives of our children and something that they will not have seen before!
"We felt it was important to mark the event in a special way.
"All week in school we have been doing coronation crafts, lessons and workshops and today’s coronation ceremony will top off our celebrations!
"All the children were so excited for the coronation – especially our King Charles himself!"
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has admitted ten new readers in a special service held at Derby Cathedral.
Seven were admitted and licensed as readers and three were admitted as readers with permission to officiate.
Speaking to them at the service, Bishop Libby Said: "I am pleased and privileged to admit you as readers in the Diocese of Derby.
"Readers are a really important part of ministry as together we seek to help more people in the diocese to know Jesus.
"May the Lord give you wisdom, courage, strength and love to do his will."
>> See the photos from the Celebration of Reader Ministry with the Admission & Licensing of Readers
Those admitted are:
David Beale, to serve in Parish of Longstone
Caroline Carr, to serve in the Benefices of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, Gresley and Newhall
Sara Eames, to serve in the Benefice of Alvaston
Alison Henshaw, to serve in the Benefice of Chellaston
Terry Nash, to serve in the Parish of Allenton and Shelton Lock
Margaret Roberts, to serve in the Benefice of Glossop
Garry Sherwood, to serve in the Benefice of Stanton by Dale with Dale Abbey and Risley
Christine Walker, to serve in the Benefice of Matlock Bank and Tansley
Andrew Walley, to serve in the Benefice of Etwall with Egginton
Judi Witcomb, to serve in the Benefice of Mickleover and Radbourne.
Please pray for them all and for the communities where they will serve.
Readers in the Church of England are licensed lay ministers whose ministry can include a range of responsibilities including preaching, teaching and leading worship.
There are more than 8,500 readers actively involved in ministry in the Church of England today.
The new readers are welcomed by family, friends and colleagues
Past Cases Review 2
The Diocese of Derby has taken part in the most extensive review of safeguarding records ever conducted by the Church of England.
The purpose of PCR2 was to identify both good practice and institutional failings in relation to how allegations of abuse have been handled, assess any identified risks and respond to these where appropriate, and to provide recommendations to the Church that will lead to improvements in its safeguarding work.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, writes:
I, along with diocesan colleagues and Derby Cathedral, welcomed the opportunity offered by PCR2 to reflect on our practice.
We also welcome the advice and challenges arising from the report.
We are grateful for the level of detail in the 40 recommendations made by the Independent Reviewers for consideration by the diocese, cathedral or Church of England.
Many of these recommendations reiterate a process change that had been recognised by senior officers, and are underway or have already been completed.
We are committed to attending to the recommendations made and have been glad of the opportunity this process has provided to learn and improve.
Executive Summary of the Diocese of Derby Report
The PCR2 was jointly commissioned by the Diocese of Derby and Derby Cathedral.
It was completed between 26th April and 29th October 2021 by two independent safeguarding professionals.
The review process was overseen by a PCR Reference Group with an appointed independent chair.
The process achieved the PCR2 specific objectives and complied with the PCR2 Practice and Policy Guidance (PCR2 PPG) issued by the Church of England PCR2 Management Board.
In compliance with PCR2 PPG, the diocese was in Category B - those dioceses who did not need to carry out a repeat of the original PCR but who have not conducted further review work since January 2007.
The diocese did not seek any exemptions in the file review phase.
Derby Cathedral and the Diocese of Derby actively engaged with the PCR2 process, meeting all the requirements specified in the PCR2 PPG and the review was welcomed as a learning opportunity by the bishop and all those supporting the review, many of whom were new in post and seeking to benchmark their ongoing work.
The content of the PCR2 report was drawn from documented information, and discussion between the independent reviewers and key stakeholders in the diocese and Derby Cathedral.
In the Diocese of Derby, the file review phase consisted of 1,164 files and, as a result, one new case was identified.
Of the files reviewed, 70 were cathedral files.
>> Download the Diocese of Derby's Executive Summary [.pdf] (Republished on 7 October 2022 with a data amendment)
The PCR2 report can be read in full on the Church of England website.
Support
Support is available for anyone for whom this prompts the need to talk or seek help and the diocese is keen to help anyone who contacts them about safeguarding matters, however long ago they may have happened.
Contact details for the Safeguarding Team:
safeguarding@derby.anglican.org | 01332 388678
Further information - Downloads
>> PCR2 Background and Overview [PDF]
The Dean of Derby, the Bishop of Derby and His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire invite you to a Special Commemorative Service for the Coronation on Sunday, 7 May 2023.
The service, at Derby Cathedral, will start at 17:15 and those attending are asked to be in their seats by 17:00.
All are welcome to attend.
The Very Reverend Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: "The coronation is a significant moment in the life of both the Church of England and the nation, and it is right that we should celebrate it with prayer, thanks and worship.
"This service will also help the communities of Derby and Derbyyshire prepare for The Big Help Out, which takes place the following day."
Three long-serving and dedicated members of the diocesan community have received Maundy money at this year's presentation, held at York Minster.
Canon Jack Cooper and Val Grahl were nominated for the honour by Bishop Libby.
It was the such service since the King's accession to the throne
Canon Jack, from Hathersage, is a PCC member, serves on Peak Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council.
Val Grahl is a lay member of Chapter at Derby Cathedral, has served as co-chair of the Community Committee and is currently Interim Chair of the Cathedral Council.
They were joined at the service by Joan Plant, from Eyam, who was nominated by Buckingham Palace.
Joan has been churchwarden at Eyam St Lawrence and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.
Special memories
Describing the occasion, Val Grahl said: "It was a very, very special day.
"King Charles presented me with the two purses, one red and one white, and held my hand and said how pleased he was to be able to give them to me.
"I simply replied, 'thank you, Your Majesty' as there was no time for a conversation, but it left me with a feeling of awe and sheer privilege to have received it from the King."
In the white purse were seven sets of silver 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p coins and an additional 4p coin - totalling 74p and signifying the King's age.
The red purse contained a silver 50 pence piece with the King's head and a depiction of the Windrush Generation, and a silver £5 coin embossed with the King's head and the number 75 to signify his next birthday.
There were about 2000 people in York Minster and they were treated to some 'wonderful organ music' before the service began, including works from Handel, Mendelssohn, Bairstow and Franck.
"The service itself began with a fanfare," said Val. "And then 2000 people singing Praise to the Holiest sent a shiver down my spine!
"The organisation was superb - so smooth - and there were people on hand to help with everything.
"I will never forget the special feeling of being in the Minster with the King and all those people."
In total, 74 men and 74 women received Maundy money, one for each year of the King's age.
Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.
The recipients are traditionally older members of society, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.
Joan Plant, from Eyam, has been revealed as one of the recipients of Maundy money at York Minister on 6 April.
And she said she "cried for a full half-hour" when, in February, she received her letter from Buckingham Palace inviting her to receive it.
She said: "My husband had gone down to make breakfast when the postman came.
"He brought the letter upstairs and said 'I think you'd better open this!'
"When I saw it had the Royal stamp on it I just looked at it for a few minutes, wondering what it was all about - and also thinking that the postman would be wondering what I'm doing!
"It was a big surprise and I just felt so humbled.
"I'm just a small person in a small village and I feel really honoured to be able to receive [the Maundy money].
"I'm not receiving it just for me, but taking the whole village with me, in my mind."
Joan has lived in Eyam - often known as the Plague Village - all her life.
She has been churchwarden and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.
>> Parish spotlight: Eyam St Lawrence
>> Eyam recreated in fruit cake
The Revd Mike Gilbert, Rector of Eyam, expressed his delight for Joan.
He said: "I can't think of a better person to get it - she is pretty much 'Mrs Eyam'!
"Joan has been a long and faithful servant, not only to the church but also to the village and she is known, loved and respected by everyone here."
The King and Queen Consort will distribute the Maundy money at York Minster in the first such service since the death of Queen Elizabeth.
There will be 74 recipients, one for each year of the King's age.
Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.
The recipients are traditionally elderly people, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.
St Philip's Church in Chaddesden, Derby, has seen a growth in both community and congregation, thanks to its year-old café and support groups.
The church has positioned itself as a community facility and partnered with Derby County Community Trust and others to provide not only affordable meals, but also mental health groups for men, a dads' network, debt counselling and much more.
The Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister for St Philip's, said: "What I kept hearing was 'weve got no pub, we've got no café, we've got no community space'.
"So I looked at this space and thought, well, why not?"
Following a period of planning and finding funding, the venture eventually got off the ground - initially on two days a week.
Now the church building is also a thriving community hub.
Revd Sarah said: "Many places have mum's groups available, but we have men's groups, a men's mental health group so to have a space for dads to come to is great.
"Having said that, a menopause group is also on the cards.
"We have craft groups, a fibromyalgia group and a debt clinic. The café is used by walking groups and a bowling group too.
"So I've told the community that we have an amazing space, and asked how can we facilitate this being a space that is here for the whole parish?"
Engaging with the community has also seen congregation numbers increase.
Some of those visiting now also go to Sunday services, and the Christmas Carol service saw more than 70 people go along - more than treble the previous year.
>> Find out more about St Philip's Chaddesden.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) undertook an audit of the Diocesan Safeguarding arrangements in June 2017.
The report concluded that the safeguarding team is well-resourced and well-established with experienced staff with a good skill mix, who provide sound safeguarding advice and judgments.
They were particularly impressed with the level of decision making regarding case work, and complimented the Diocese on its own self-evaluation, which highlighted realistic areas of development.
The auditors felt the Diocese was committed to learning, and were impressed that a review commissioned by the Bishop had led to the expansion of the safeguarding team, which included a new Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Committee, who in addition to a number of other roles was the Head of Public Protection for Derby Constabulary.
The world of safeguarding nationally has been experiencing a period of important and sometimes rapid change and the Diocese of Derby along with the Church of England is determined to offer a secure environment in which everyone can thrive, and which earns the confidence of all who are entrusted to its care.
The report states that the Head of HR is supportive, considered and committed and understands the importance of safeguarding. The auditors found that safeguarding operates within a clear line management structure, and a well-functioning Diocesan Office.
The auditors noted that there are strong links between the Diocese and Derby Cathedral. The DSA and safeguarding team provides training for the Cathedral, and a member of Chapter responsible for safeguarding is also a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Team.
Some areas were highlighted for further development by the Diocese.
There remains a backlog in the numbers of people who require training and although there is a plan in place it will need close monitoring by the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Committee.
Since the audit took place, a new part-time Safeguarding Training Officer has been appointed to deal with the training backlog.
The report also highlighted that work was required to develop the overall functioning of the team so that everyone gets an appropriately prompt level of service. Again, since this audit took place, a part-time Safeguarding Administrator has been recruited to deal with general administrative queries.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has been commissioned to undertake an audit of the safeguarding arrangements of each Diocese of the Church of England. The aim of these audits is to work together to understand how safeguarding is working in each Diocese, and to support the continuing improvements being made.
The audit process in each Diocese involved examination of safeguarding leadership arrangements, local policies and practice guidance, the quality of case work, recruitment and training.
The auditors also looked at the progress being made in reaching nationally agreed standards, informed by central House of Bishops’ approved policies.
An action plan has been produced and agreed by the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Committee to address findings and considerations of the report.
To read the full safeguarding audit for the Diocese of Derby, click here.
To view the Action Plan for the Diocese of Derby, developed in 2017, click here.
Tea and Toast is a ministry that has been set up at Holy Trinity Dinting Vale.
This fantastic ministry is engaging with young people in the community from local secondary schools, and in partnership with other churches they are seeking to be good news for young people.
To find out more visit http://www.dintingchurch.org.uk/
To find out more about Growing Faith and the Diocese of Derby's work to support youth and children's ministry across churches, schools and households visit http://www.derby.anglican.org/youngpeople
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