This is a summary of the monthly Church Leaders' mailing which was sent on Thursday 5 February. The full version can be found here (link to follow after publication)
Looking ahead
- This coming Sunday (8 February) is Racial Justice Sunday. You can download the Racial Justice Sunday handboook here.
- The theme for Lent this year is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent. You can visit the national Church of England page for Lent here and visit the '40acts: Do Lent Generously' website here.
- Reminder that Statistic for Mission parosh returns were due at the end of January. If your church has not yet completed its return please do so using the Parish Returns website
- Deanery Synod elections and General Synod elections happen in the same year. Deanery Synod members elect lay members of General Synod, so it is important that we receive the outcome of your Deanery Synod elections as soon as they are available.
Mission and ministry
- Book a place on the Licenced lay ministers quiet day, Saturday 7 March, 10.00am to 3.00pm at St Helen's Darley Dale.
- Book a place on the Churchwarden Network Gathering: Deepening Discipleship and Spirituality day, Saturday 21 March, 9.45am to 1.00pm at St Alkmunds, Derby
- Ministry Mondays, a new Continuing Ministerial Development initiative for clergy, will be launching after Easter on the third Monday of every month from 1.00pm to 2.00pm
- Applications for clergy sabbatical places for 2028 (and one place in 2027) are now open. More information can be found on the Continuing Ministerial Development page of the website here.
- Energy Footprint Tool returns can now be submitted via the Parish returns website. The deadline for returns is 30 June 2026. Parishes that submit late will not be able to apply for certain national grants.
- There are a number of Digital Giving webinars taking place soon
- The national church is running an orientation programme for 5-10 young adults from a range of diocese to help them understand better the workings of General Synod and to help Synod hear the voice of young adults more clearly.
- There will be a launch event for Brave Spaces, a Fresh Expressions initiative, on Thursday 26 February at 7.30pm
- A demonstration of infra-red heating systems, open to all who are interested, will take place at St Mary the Virgin, Denby on Tuesday 24 February (see last month's Church Leaders' mailing here or email netzero@derby.anglican.org for more details or to register.
Safeguarding
- Access Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance here
- Safeguarding has introduced a dedicated inbox for all training-related enquiries. Please send all safeguarding training queries to: safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
- Please ensure you notify the safeguarding team immediately if there is any change to your Parish Safeguarding Officer.
- Dashboards and Hubs training session Tuesday 10 February, 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Updated guidance
- New Churchyard Regulations come into effect this month. They are summarised in this Handbook for Incumbents and this Handbook for the Bereaved
External events
These events or services are not organised by the Diocese of Derby and are shared for information only.
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Diocese of Manchester: Financial Planning for Retirement: During Your Ministry and Beyond - Wednesday 13 May 2026, 9.30am to 2.00pm, 155-163 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND, registration via Eventbrite here.
- Pilgrimage to Taizé for young adults: Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 August, For more information, contact Revd Dwayne Engh at vicar@ashbournechurch.org.uk - To book your space on the pilgrimage follow this link to the Diocese of Lincoln website
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Through the Roof: Communicating with children and young people with additional needs - Monday 9 February, 7pm to 8pm, Online via Zoom - Registration for this event can be done here. All are welcome.
- Council of Christians and Jews: Understanding and countering anti-Jewish hate training - Wednesday 18 February, Derby location to be confirmed - Spaces are limited. To book a place and receive venue details contact Rev Canon Alan Griggs on 07804 735556 or email at alandeut6@gmail.com
Future dates for your diary
- Growing a Younger Church conference - Saturday 6 June, Location to be confirmed - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries!
- Lay Leaders' Conference - Saturday 12 September, liff College - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries!
- Annual Clergy Conference - Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 October 2026, The Hayes Conference Centre - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries!
