We have a message of hope | Start the Month with Bishop Paul & Sarah (196)
“As the Church in this diocese and around the world, we have a message of hope, the promise of a Saviour.” In the first Start the Month of the new academic year, Bishop Paul and Sarah bring us a message of hope from Psalm 46, which says that “God is our ever-present help in times of trouble.” As we look ahead to the new term, with all its challenges and opportunities, we are encouraged to remember that Jesus is our ultimate, living
New Building Management Portal replacing Online Faculty System in October
The Church of England is introducing the Building Management Portal, a new national digital system for managing applications relating to works on churches, their contents, and churchyards, with a planned release date of 6th October 2026. The new portal has been designed to make the application process easier to follow and to improve consistency in the way casework is managed. It will give users clearer information about application stages, supporting documents and the actions needed as an application progresses. The portal will
INEQE action planning, safeguarding risk register & diocesan staffing changes | DSAP June 2026
Sally Hodges, the Independent Chair for Southwell & Nottingham’s Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP), has summarised the key messages from the last panel meeting earlier in the summer. The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) met in June, and I am pleased to say that there was good representation from our partner colleagues, as well as safeguarding professionals and other senior leaders. 1. Draft INEQE report received DSAP was happy to hear that the draft report from the INEQE safeguarding audit had been received
Stand for Synod 2026: Information for General Synod elections
New clergy and lay members will be elected for General Synod this year, with nominations open between 14th August and 7th September. Those elected will serve as General Synod members for the next five years. General Synod members have the opportunity to represent their community and diocese on a national level and have a say in legislation that affects the whole Church of England. They attend the twice-annual General Synod meetings in person or online, with travel and accommodation expenses covered. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWspnvrc270 To
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: 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
Schools come together for the Living Hope Conference 2026
Around 100 teachers and leaders from schools across the Diocese gathered together on Wednesday 24th June at Nottingham Trent University's Clifton campus to encourage one another and spend time hearing inspiring talks about faith in schools. The conference started with worship led by Bluecoat Aspley students, which included a choreographed performance called From Brokenness to Hope. There wasn't a dry eye in the room! The day included a keynote talk from experienced educator Paul Rusby on spiritually flourishing schools, inspiring worship from
A Beautiful Morning Together at the Hope Service
On Monday 29th June, a congregation from across the diocese gathered in the Archbishop's Palace Gardens, with Southwell Minster in the background, to pause, reflect, and remember those with lived experience of trauma. The service took place in front of the Hope Bench, which has been a place of safety, reflection and support since it was dedicated in 2023. The service was jointly organised by the diocesan safeguarding team and Southwell Minster. It featured prayer and reflection led by members of