September 2025

It was great to be in St Michael’s Church, Farnsfield on Sunday morning as Peter Balchin was ordained deacon by Bishop Paul.  Peter was born and raised in Devon and became a Christian in his teenage years, with his faith deepening through attending summer youth festivals. He has gradually made his way northward—first studying Geography at Swansea University, then spending seven years in London, where he completed an MSc at UCL, worked as a Student Worker, and later pursued a career

It was a wonderful evening on Monday as the Revd Louise Bearder was licensed as Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Blyth and Scrooby with Ranskill. As well as marking a new season for Louise and the benefice, Louise is also the first Mission Associate to be in post as part of ‘Cluster One’ which links together some of our northern and most rural benefices, as part of the rural pilot. It was a particularly meaningful moment as the Rev’d

Sunday 7th September was an encouraging evening as friends, family and the congregation of Worksop Priory gathered for the ordination of Robert Garnett as deacon, welcoming him into ordained ministry. The service was on the Eve of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was led by the Rt Revd Stephen Race, the Bishop of Beverley with Bishop Andy and other clergy from the diocese attending in support of Robert.  Robert has spent over 20 years working with overseas relief and development

This week, we welcomed a brand-new cohort of interns onto the Apprentice Track! Over two days, the group gathered to worship, pray, and look ahead to all that God has in store for the coming year.  The induction days are a powerful moment where interns begin building relationships with their new cohort, step into their formation groups, and begin setting the tone for a year of growth, service, and discipleship. The days included teaching, space for reflection and an inspiring panel

Last weekend, the new Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) training year began at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. It was an opportunity for the cohort to get to know each other and share in worship and prayer, setting their eyes on the God who loves them and has called them to serve Him. We are excited to welcome 13 new first year students to the course, as well as 16 returning 2nd year students. Angelika Bocchetti, School of Discipleship Lead, shared,

As part of our ongoing preparation for the INEQE Safeguarding Audit, we are continuing to make good progress to ensure that our Diocese and Cathedral are ready to demonstrate best safeguarding practice and identify areas where we can strengthen our culture and processes further. The audit will take place from 7–9 January 2026 as part of the national Church of England review following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). In this month’s briefing, read an update from Julian Hodgson (DSO), news

Wednesday 3rd September was a special evening as Bishop Andy licensed the Revd David Lewis as Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of Norwell with Ossington, Cromwell, Caunton, and Sutton with Carlton on Trent. The service marked the beginning of a new phase of ministry for both David and the churches, particularly as David is also a Mission Associate in one of the rural clusters as part of the rural pilot, which seeks to intentionally link rural parishes into a wider group

The Young Worshippers Workshop at St Michael’s Farnsfield this year has been both inspiring and encouraging, bringing together a wonderful cohort of young people from churches across the diocese. The aim of the Young Worshippers Workshop is to encourage young people in their giftings and to equip them to serve within their local churches. Over the year and across five sessions, the group spent time getting to know each other better, eating pastries, reflecting on what it means to lead God’s