Lifted Out of Darkness – Marsha’s Living Hope Story
"I prayed, 'Jesus I need you to help me', and I felt like two weights came off me." Following a difficult early life, Marsha found freedom from addiction when she invited Jesus into her life. She describes how the power of God lifted her out of the darkness she was experiencing, bringing healing and restoration. We’re so pleased to share Marsha’s story ahead of her ordination as Priest this weekend, and we’re excited to see how God continues to use her
Ordination Candidates 2025
Please join us in praying for the candidates who will be ordained as Deacons and Priests on the 28th and 29th June. You can watch the Ordination of Priests service here, and the Ordination of Deacons service here. PRIEST CANDIDATES GRAHAM BAKER grew up in southeast London and was aware of wanting to follow Jesus from an early age. He spent time in academic research, with a DPhil in History, and then teaching before recognising a call to ministry within the church.
Through the Wilderness – Ronaldo’s Living Hope Story
‘Now I live my life with hope and peace, knowing God’s alongside with me’ Ronaldo came to faith in his home country of Nicaragua, but found himself unexpectedly moving to the UK. It was a challenging and hard time to adjust, but in that time he discovered St Nic's Church and the Spanish speaking community there, as well as the opportunity to join The Apprentice Track internship. We loved hearing Ronaldo’s story and we hope it’s an encouragement to you, whatever
Good News Spotlight: Love Chilwell
We’re introducing the Good News Spotlight, a regular feature on our platforms that highlights and celebrates God's work in our parishes, schools, and projects across the diocese. If your parish or school has a Good News story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us here. Chilwell Parish- Christ Church, St Barnabas and The Orchards. LoveChilwell is a partnership between Chilwell Parish and The Garage, working together to make a real difference through acts of kindness, practical support,
Bishop Paul’s Sermon for the Service of Celebration of the King’s Official Birthday
Sunday 15th June, Southwell Minster My text for this sermon is 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil…Show proper respect to everyone…” There’s a little volume called ‘The All Better Book’ in which children try to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, like what to do about global warming, how to stop wars and so on. And here’s one of the toughest questions they faced: ‘With billions of people in the world, someone
Three Named in King’s Birthday Honours List
We’re delighted to share that three people from churches and schools in the diocese have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours. Rita McCall, Deputy Verger at St Mary Magdalene Newark, has been awarded British Empire Medal (BEM). Alongside her role as Deputy Verger at St Mary’s, Rita has been the organiser of the church’s popular Christmas Tree Festival for the past 17 years, and it’s this that has been recognised through this award. Rita shared: “It is indeed a great honour
Pentecost Sunday Stories
Pentecost marks the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, empowering them to spread the message of Jesus and marking the birth of the Church. Across our diocese, churches marked Pentecost with creativity, thanksgiving, and reflection. Here are some of the inspiring stories and celebrations shared by our church communities below: St Mary's Church Edwinstowe and All Saints Clipstone Last Sunday, All Saints Clipstone and St Mary's Edwinstowe celebrated Pentecost during their morning services. Both services were uplifting, joyful,
You’re invited: Diocesan Safeguarding Conference 2025
This year's Diocesan Safeguarding Conference is coming up on Saturday 5th July at The Minster School in Southwell, and this year for the first time, the conference is open to everyone serving in parish roles, paid or volunteer, as well as all clergy. Safeguarding is an important part of our shared life and ministry. Building upon last year’s conference focus on the National Safeguarding Standards and as we look ahead to next year’s INEQE Safeguarding Audit, the conference is a great
35 Candidates Confirmed at Pentecost Eve Service
It was a Spirit-filled occasion on Saturday evening as 35 candidates from across the diocese were confirmed at Southwell Minster at the Pentecost Eve service. Bishop Paul led the service and spoke of knowing God as our Father and the particular power and gift of the Holy Spirit, drawing on Romans 8:14-18 and John 7:37-39. The service provided an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful stories of God at work in peoples’ lives, with candidates representing 12 different parishes. Read a selection
Start the Month in May with Bishop Paul and Sarah (181) – 6th June 2025
'Proverbs invites us to think and reflect on the wisdom it holds, as if we’re searching for treasure.' There are often times in our lives where we particularly need to seek God’s wisdom and guidance. In Start the Month for June, Bishop Paul and Sarah provide encouraging reflections from the book of Proverbs. They share how the passage invites us to dig deep, and reflect carefully on God’s word. ‘For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding’