Bishop Paul speaks out for children in care at General Synod
At General Synod on Tuesday 14th July, Bishop Paul spoke in support of a private member's motion putting forward the appointment of a lead bishop to advocate for the more than 80,000 looked after children in England, care leavers and carers. After the debate, members of the Synod voted unanimously in favour of the motion, which had been brought by Billy-Jo O'Leary. To hear what Bishop Paul said on the topic, watch the video below or scroll to read his full transcript.
Good News Spotlight: Community donations & grants make new waterless toilet a reality for All Saints Barnby
Community generosity and grants from the Garfield Weston Foundation and the FCC Communities Foundation made the installation of a new waterless toilet possible at All Saints', Barnby in the Willows. The fundraising journey for a new Woo-Woo waterless toilet started five years ago with a 20-mile sponsored walk to each of the eight churches around Barnby. These efforts where then aided by fundraising concerts from local a cappella choirs, continued comunity donations and the grants that were received. One waterless toilet will
Jubilee House Volunteer Day 2026 in Bilsthorpe and Manton
Every year, diocesan staff head out from Jubilee House to two parishes to spend a day helping out however they need us to. This year's Volunteer Day took us to St Margaret's, Bilsthorpe and St Paul's, Manton, both of which were wonderful hosts and fantastic places to spend the day. ST PAUL'S, MANTON St Paul's is a community-focused church in Manton, a suburb of Worksop. It is a church with a beautiful legacy of prayer and support from the surrounding area and
Good News Spotlight: National Teaching Awards Win
We are delighted to share that Ian Snelling, Headteacher of St Andrew's CofE Primary and Nursery School, has been recognised as a Bronze winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, receiving the Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School award. Organised by The Teaching Awards Trust, the Pearson National Teaching Awards celebrate the exceptional dedication and impact of educators working in schools and early years settings across the UK. Know more about the 2026 Pearson National Teaching Awards winners here. Ian was nominated
Licensing of Lauren Simpson as Rector of the Benefice of Wiverton in the Vale
On Wednesday evening, the Parish of Wiverton in the Vale joyfully welcomed its new Rector, Revd Lauren Simpson, at a Service of Institution and Installation held at St Andrew's Church, Langar. The packed church filled with members of the six parish churches, local residents, clergy, family and friends, all gathered to celebrate the beginning of this new exciting chapter in the life of the parish. The service was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant, Professor Veronica Pickering, representing the Patron, and was led
An Evening of Burgers & Worship at the Apprentice Track Network Event
On Monday evening, young adults from churches across the diocese gathered at Holy Trinity Lenton for the final Apprentice Track Network Event of the academic year. The evening began with a barbecue outside the church in the evening sunshine. It was a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones over burgers. With around 14 churches represented in the gathering, it was great to be able to spend time together and hang out. After this time of community,
Good News Spotlight: St Ann with Emmanuel receives funding for new solar PV power system
St Ann with Emmannuel church in St Ann's, Nottingham, has had funding approved for a new solar PV power system and battery storage which will reduce energy costs improve the building's overall environmental sustainability. The grant of £20,286 was awarded by the FCC Communities Foundation, which is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund. The grant is a significant step towards sustainability for the church and an encouraging example of what can be achieved in
Can I Ask a Question? A Youth Alpha Story
Earlier this year, Zac felt inspired by one of our Living Hope Stories to run Youth Alpha in his school. He asked his headteacher about it, and thanks to her willingness and with the help of Lady Bay Church and Connect Gamston to help make it happen, children in the school were able to explore faith and learn about Jesus. We found this story so inspiring and are pleased to share it with you below. https://youtu.be/FQ0ZgLKkEU8 With huge thanks to Pierrepont Gamston School
Apply for Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins grants of up to £10,000
Now that you've completed the Energy Footprint Tool, your church can apply for a Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins grant of up to £10,000 to help you kickstart a net zero project. Funded by the Church of England's Net Zero Carbon Programme, NZC Quick Wins grants are for churches (and church halls) looking to start new decarbonisation projects. Eligible projects include initiatives like installing new LED lighting, zoned heating controls, insulation/draught-proofing or efforts to reduce the use of gas and oil
Ordination Weekend Highlights – 2026
It was a glorious, sunny weekend as friends, families and colleagues gathered at Southwell Minster to celebrate the ordination of eight Priests and twelve Deacons. Ordination of Priests The Ordination of Priests was a joyful service on Saturday that celebrated and welcomed Wendy, Jane, Olly, Luke, Jo, Liam and Lesley into this new phase of ministry. There was also a special service on Sunday evening at Worksop Priory as Robert Garnett was also ordained priest. Revd James Halstead, Director of Discipleship & Ministry, delivered a powerful sermon on