Hello, for me the journey is what is important.  

People sometimes think exploring vocation is about becoming somebody different and that you can get it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ … but the vocational journey is one we are all on, it is about discerning God’s intention for us and becoming more the person God calls us each of us to be, whatever our gender or heritage, whether we are straight or gay, regardless of disability or mental health issue we are all created, held and nurtured in God’s love, which means we all have a calling.  

I am a parish priest, living as Vicar of Spondon and an experienced Spiritual Director walking alongside diverse people from different contexts.

Located 2 miles east of Derby city centre in a place called Spondon.

The Spondon Flyer bus stops directly outside the church and we have ample parking.

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I live on the edge of Buxton and I am a Reader at St Peter's church in Fairfield.

Until I retired I worked  in theological education, latterly as Vice Principal of the Yorkshire Ministry Course where I taught Pastoral Studies, Human Relationships  Ethics .and beginners Greek. I was a diocesan rep  on General Synod for many years and I now review Theological Courses and Colleges for the national Ministry Division.

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Why I am a Vocation Adviser

It has been a joy to work as Diocesan Youth Adviser in Derby Diocese for almost 20 years. In that time, it has been a real privilege to accompany many young people in their journey through the teenage years and become established in a whole range of jobs and professions or contemplate how God works through them as a parent and homemaker as well as in being a volunteer in the local church or community. I also enjoy working with adults, many youth leaders have cut their teeth in leadership in the church and I’ve been delighted to see them move on with this experience in the bank.

It is the relationship role that I particularly enjoy, listening to stories and encouraging folk to reflect on their gifts and talents, on what God and others might be saying to them and then providing space and opportunities for them to try new things and take that next step on the road that God is taking them.

Derby Diocese takes vocation seriously, it values lay people and believes that every person, young or old, lay or ordained has an important role to play in building God’s Kingdom in every community in Derbyshire and beyond.

Alistair lives near to the south-east corner of the diocese but is happy to chat anywhere in Derbyshire as I cover the whole diocese in my role.

As well as training as a Lay Reader he is an ardent Nottingham Forest Fan and enjoys swimming, theatre or performing on stage with Long Eaton Operatic Society.

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2022 Launch Video

Watch a recording of the 2022 Thy Kingdom Come launch

National Resources

Thykingdomcome.global has a fantastic range of resources available for all ages, churches, families and individuals.

For adults, the main resources are the Prayer Journal and Novena - both written by Archbishop Justin Welby, with the Novena based on 1 Peter, the foundation scripture for the Lambeth Conference.
150,000 free copies will be given away as part of this year’s campaign.

Thy Kingdom Come has teamed up with 24-7 Prayer providing daily audio reflections for their Lectio 365 app.

For children & families, there are brand-new Cheeky Pandas animations based on the Fruit of the Spirit (including a platinum Jubilee related episode) packed with fun, music, and biblical truths.
Each episode will have an accompanying activity pack and assembly plan, which can be used at church, at home, or school.

For youth, there will be a brand-new video series produced by a leading Christian Youth Ministry.

Free Resources giveaway for Churches 

Free copies of the 2022 resources are available, you will only need to pay for postage & packaging.

 >> Visit Church House Publishing site

‘We Seek Your Kingdom’ 

‘We Seek Your Kingdom’, a whole-life worship song to the tune of much-loved hymn ‘Abide withme’, written by Noel Robinson, Andy Flannagan, and Graham Hunter, inspires us to see our daily tasks through God’s eyes – and live out the prayer ‘your kingdom come’ in every part of life.

Commissioned by LICC and Thy Kingdom Come, it’s an encouragement and a call to action – a declaration that each of us can join in God’s kingdom work right where we are.And a prayer that through ordinary Christians like you and me, God would transform, revive, and heal our society.

>> Watch the video and download ‘We Seek Your Kingdom’ hymn resources. 

Resourcing God's mission in our parishes

"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" James 1:17

As we learn to live with Covid-19 and build back following the struggles we faced with the pandemic,
we fully understand that live in challenging times.

As a diocese, we want to assure you that we will continue to support you in any way we can,
in particular with the financial constraints many face in parishes.

See also:

>> On the money On the money is a new publication explaining diocesan finances. Please take a look.

>> The Parish Giving Scheme

The Venerable Nicky Fenton
Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales
nicky.fenton@derby.anglican.org
01332 388658

Julie Ford 
PA to the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales
julie.ford@derby.anglican.org
01332 278177
Working pattern: Tuesday to Friday

Having loved four months working as acting archdeacon, I was absolutely delighted and thrilled to be invited to continue the work that I have started and to partner with you to create transformed lives through growing church and building community, so that we might be good news for all and bring God’s kingdom nearer.

I was born in Birmingham and came to faith when I was 17 through a mixture of a Billy Graham Crusade, a school Christian Union, membership of uniformed organisations and Bible reading at home.

I am married to Michael; a chartered accountant and we have two adult children Emily and Sophie, and we enjoy going out for meals and exploring new places together. Most days I try to get to the gym and either swim or do aqua, pilates or yoga. Music and dance have played a significant part in my life too. When I’m on my own I love reading, watching films, jigsaw puzzles.

Prior to ordination, I worked in education – my last teaching job was as nursery teacher with 95 pre-school children and a team of nine staff in my care. I also have a qualification in people practice.

My theological education was based at Cranmer Hall and my curacy in St Ann’s, Nottingham. My previous roles within the Diocese of Derby include Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of Hazelwood, Holbrook, Milford with Shottle, Diocesan School Missioner, Bishop’s Adviser in Spirituality, Retired Clergy Officer, Bishop’s Chaplain, and a residentiary canon at Derby Cathedral.

The image that speaks to me most clearly about my ministry as an archdeacon is that of a midwife: coming alongside people and places offering ongoing care, guidance and advice; mediating and bridging gaps between different groups of people; supporting the birthing of new initiatives and offering comfort and strength as people let go, and breaking down barriers to change and growth.

I focus my ministry around five key priorities – prayer, people, places, projects and planning - while ensuring I am also attentive to my ongoing personal formation.  I would love the opportunity to share with you what that looks like in practice – so please do invite me to come and visit!

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.

Parish map of the Archdeaconry of Derbyshire Peak and Dales

>> Download a printable map of the Archdeaconry of Derbyshire Peak and Dales (suitable for A4 and A3) [JPG]

>> Maps of individual deaneries can be downloaded from their respective pages here.

The Venerable Matthew Trick
Archdeacon of Derby and South Derbyshire
Acting Archdeacon of East Derbyshire
matthew.trick@derby.anglican.org
01332 388684

Sue Hidderley-Burton
PA to the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire
sue.hidderley-burton@derby.anglican.org
01332 388682

Parish map of the Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire

>> Download a printable map of the Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire (suitable for A4 and A3) [JPG]

>> Maps of individual deaneries can be downloaded from their respective pages here.

Temporary Episcopal arrangements in the Diocese of Derby

The Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Libby Lane, is currently on sick leave. Our prayers and best wishes are with her at this time for a full recovery. Bishop Libby’s episcopal responsibilities are delegated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Rt Revd Jackie Searle.

Temporary office relocation

The Bishop of Derby’s office is currently based at Derby Church House. Please direct any post during this time to:

The Bishop of Derby’s Office, c/o Derby Church House, Full Street, Derby DE1 3DR

Office emails and phone numbers will remain the same.

The Bishop’s office expect to be at Derby Church House until the end of this year.  Information regarding their move back to Duffield will be provided when plans have been confirmed.

The Bishop of Derby is the Rt Revd Libby Lane.

Bishop Libby was installed at Derby Cathedral on 25 May 2019, having previously been the Suffragan Bishop of Stockport, in the Diocese of Chester – a post she occupied from 2015.

Libby describes Derbyshire as ‘the place that holds my heart’.

She grew up in Glossop in the north-west of the county and was selected for ordination while working in the parish of St Thomas Brampton, Chesterfield.

Bishop Libby said: “I am excited and privileged to have been called to serve as Bishop of Derby.

“I grew up here and my vocation was fostered here. Derbyshire nurtured me and brought me to faith and I want to love Derbyshire back.

“I want to lead a church in Derbyshire where people find hope because they know they are loved by God in Christ, and I pray that hope sets us free to live our lives in ways that bring change for good.”

The Bishop of Derby provides leadership and oversight to the Diocese of Derby in the Church of England.

The Diocese covers the County of Derbyshire, the City of Derby, and some additional communities beyond those boundaries.

The Diocesan Bishop works with the Suffragan Bishop of Repton, to give vision and shape to the life of the diocese.

The Bishop of Derby in their corporate capacity holds the responsibility of being the episcope for the Diocese of Derby.

Their ecclesiastical jurisdiction is set out in the guidelines for professional conduct of clergy.

And the Bishop of Derby holds a seat in the House of Lords as one of the Lords Spiritual.

Further information on the role of the bishops in parliament can be found on:

The Church of England in Parliament 

Contact information for The Lord Bishop of Derby - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament

The Bishop of Derby’s Office’s standard working hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

If you wish to contact the Bishop of Derby's office, the contact details are:

The Bishop’s Office
6 King Street
Duffield
Derby
DE56 4EU

01332 840132 | bishop@bishopofderby.org

Download the Bishop of Derby's Office's Privacy Statement [PDF]

Download the Bishop of Derby's Clergy Personal File Privacy Notice [PDF]

Constantine and Empire

The advent of Constantine as Emperor in 306 marked a key moment in the Gospel of Jesus Christ becoming a public faith.  Up until that point Christians had endured a challenging journey – periods of peace and proselytising interspersed with the most horrific persecution.  A world of political instability and religious terrorism.

Constantine laid the foundation of what came to be known as the Holy Roman Empire.  The Church became a public body offering a Gospel of love to bind together the different cultures of what was thought to be the civilised world.  A Holy or whole Empire.

The Importance of Coins: Cash Flow

As in every age, money was the sacrament of seriousness.  Money provided the means for people to organise their lives and express their priorities.  Money was produced in the form of coins.  One of the ways in which Constantine connected his disparate peoples was through the use of money – the flow of ‘cash’.

First, during his reign, the images on the coins shifted from pagan symbols to signs of the cross and of the Christian faith.  The means of organising life and ordering priorities was clearly part of a Christian enterprise – an expression of the love of God in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Second, Constantine enabled significant investment in the Church, providing buildings and ministries to express this Gospel of love in practical ways.  The beginning of an infrastructure for a Holy Empire.  Word made flesh.

Cashing the Gospel

We are heirs of these significant developments, called still to witness to the organising of life and the ordering of priorities as an expression of the teaching and example of Jesus Christ – in public life as much as in private pilgrimages.

Coins, or, in our case credit cards and notes! have a part to play in this mission and witness.  Money provides the most accurate sign of how we choose to organise our lives and our priorities.

Cashing the Common Life

As we launch a new Common Fund this autumn, I hope that each of us can consider carefully and prayerfully how, in our times, we can contribute to our church offering spaces for worship and ministries for witness.  Each of us will have coins, cards, notes in our lives.  A key part of our witness is how we might use them to enable the Gospel of love to be made more manifest – as witness, invitation and celebration of that kind of gift of new life which Our Father longs to pour out for the blessings of all His children.

The Currency of Love

Money is something common, connecting and challenging.  Too easily it becomes the ultimate measure and value: a false god.  We need to use it as a form of service and fellowship – the currency of love.

+Alastair