Gold Award for St Wilfrid’s Calverton
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27 Sunday 27th was a day of celebration for St Wilfrid's Calverton as after many years of hard work, they were presented with a Gold Award from A Rocha UK as an Eco Church. This is the first Gold Award in our Diocese and one of only a small number across the UK. A Rocha explains on their website that 'Achieving gold means that
Vision Update Video
In this update video, Bishop Paul and Bishop Andy share an update on the vision and mission across our diocese, a year on from our vision refresh. https://youtu.be/OkUcpyApfXY They focus particularly on two of our 7 areas of focus, 'Nurturing Prayer' and 'Enabling Commitment' and also introduce 3 new funds designed to support churches across the diocese. You can find out more about these here: https://southwell.anglican.org/church-growth Thank you for all that you do in the life of your parish and ministry, and we
A message from Bishop Paul following the death of Pope Francis
We are saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis today. Bishop Paul has shared: “Pope Francis has been an inspiration to the Church all across the world. His humility, joy and compassion in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ have made a deep and lasting impression on Christian people everywhere. My prayers are with all who mourn the death of Pope Francis, especially for Roman Catholics across our county and my dear friend Bishop Patrick McKinney who leads the
Bishop Paul’s Easter Sermon in Southwell Minster
In Bishop Paul's Easter sermon in the cathedral, he said, “because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, there is always hope.” “With all that is happening in our world at the moment, and maybe in our lives too, we need the Easter story as much as ever. Here is the true story of hope over despair, light over darkness, and the power of love over hatred, because of Jesus.” "Our Easter faith is about the love of God
Bishop Andy’s Easter Message 2025
This Holy Week Bishop Andy invites us to reflect on the story of creation, the wrestle with sin and suffering, and the new beginning Jesus invites each one of us to.
The Archdeacons’ Visitation Dates
Every year, the Archdeacons’ Visitations take place. These are formal church services, during which Churchwardens across each Archdeaconry are admitted. Archdeacon Tors Ramsey and Archdeacon Phil Williams gave thanks for the invaluable contribution churchwardens have made as well as celebrated those who are about to step into a new role.
Baptisms and Confirmations at St Mary’s Radcliffe-on-Trent
"I am writing this to share how Jesus has transformed my life in ways that words can barely express." The first Sunday in March was a joyful day in Radcliffe-on-Trent with 2 youth baptisms in the morning and 9 confirmations in the evening. The day started with a real sense of excitement in the morning service, as two brothers were getting ready to be baptised. Revd Carl Brooks-Plunkett (curate at St Mary's) led the service, and welcomed the family to the
Even in the darkest valleys there is light – Baptism Stories
It’s been great to hear of some wonderful stories of baptisms across our diocese last month, including 4 adults and 1 youth baptism St Ann with Emmanuel Church and 2 youth baptisms at St Johns Bilbrough Woven. In both churches those being baptised were surrounded by their church community to pray and celebrate with them on this significant moment in their life. We’ve shared a couple of the encouraging stories below from St Ann’s Church: "Faith has always been a part
Start the Month in February with Bishop Paul and Sarah (177) – 7th February 2025
Join Bishop Paul and Sarah for an encouraging Start the Month reflection for February, as they explore Psalm 40. There can be moments of life that feel like a perpetual winter—times of stress, uncertainty, sadness, or despair that seem like they have no end. But Psalm 40 reminds us to be patient in hope, looking for the signs of a spiritual spring ahead. In these times, we’re called to renew our trust and faith in God, remembering all he has
Stories of Living Hope Account Launched!
We’re delighted to share that this month we’ve launched our Stories of Living Hope account on Instagram. Since the launch of our refreshed vision in 2024, we’ve had the joy of collecting stories of hope and transformation from across Nottinghamshire and beyond. We believe in the power of testimony and the way it can inspire and encourage others to go deeper in their faith. From experiences of walking into church for the very first time, to growing up in challenging