National Safeguarding Standards Workshops
The Church of England's National Safeguarding Standards were introduced in October 2023, having been in the process of development since 2020. The Standards are essential for the Church to understand the quality and the impact of all safeguarding activity. The intention is that all safeguarding activity in the church will relate to one or more of the standards. The Diocese needs to evidence full compliance by the end of December 2027, so we are keen to start this process early
Enabling commitment through nurture courses this new year
It's been great to focus on prayer this Autumn as a diocese, one of our seven areas of focus. In the new year, we'd like to invite you to join us as we focus on enabling commitment. We're praying for 50 nurture courses to be running across the length and breadth of the diocese giving people to opportunity to take their first steps in deciding to follow Jesus. Your church is likely to have contact with lots of people who are
Archbishop of York to Visit the Diocese
Later this month, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, is making a missionary visit to the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Archbishop Stephen will be with us on 22nd-24th November, and will be visiting various churches, schools and organisations during his visit. He aims to share in and encourage the mission of the Church here in the diocese, as we seek to grow disciples of Christ with compassion, confidence and courage. During his visit, the Archbishop will visit Nottingham City Transport
School Children Inspired at Conference on Collective Worship
On Tuesday 5th November, children from sixteen Church of England schools across the diocese gathered for the Pupil Leaders of Collective Worship Conference at Southwell Minster, led by our diocesan Education Team. The children and their teachers took part in four workshops to inspire them and develop their skills for leading worship in school. Among the activities they participated in was exploring practical ideas for creatively opening and closing worship times, including using songs and actions when entering and leaving the
Start the Day on First Fridays with Bishop Paul and Sarah (174) – 1st November 2024
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music!” Psalm 98:4 In Start the Day for November, Bishop Paul and Sarah share inspiring reflections on Psalm 98, all the way from Johannesburg Bible College in South Africa. We are reminded of the gift of worship, which awakens our souls to the presence and power of Jesus that fills us with joy, encouragement and inspiration. As we continue to pray for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit and a
Diocese Prayer Run: Days 2 & 3
The Diocese Prayer run is a 120km route stretching from the north of the diocese to the south. The run is taking place over the 21st - 26th October and is an opportunity to pray for Living Hope in the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond. Each day is split into a number of 5km and 10km runs that people can join, as well as prayer meetings at over 20 churches across the diocese. Day 2: St Swithun's Retford
Diocesan Synod Summary – 12 October 2024
Diocesan Synod 12 October 2024 On Saturday 12th October the newly elected Diocesan Synod met at The Minster School, Southwell for the first meeting of the new Triennium (2024-27). During the meeting Bishop Paul, Bishop Andy, Canon Michael Arlington and Mr Julian Hodgson presented reports to delegates (both clergy and lay) who listened and discussed to prayerfully discern what God is saying to the Diocese at this time. As part of the triennium, it was great to welcome a significant number of new
Diocesan Days of Prayer 2024
We are designating the second Thursday of every month a special diocesan day of worship and prayer. We do hope that you will come along to one or many of these gatherings, as we wait on the Lord in expectation for his guidance, refreshment and renewal.
Bishop’s Address to Diocesan Synod – Luke 5:1-10
This is the transcript of Bishop Paul's address to Diocesan Synod on 12th October 2024. In Luke 5 Jesus begins the task of recruiting a team of people who will serve closely with him in establishing God’s kingdom on earth, and this is the same team that Jesus has called us to be a part of. In the Church of England calendar, on Thursday we remembered the witness of Saint Paulinus, who in 325 was sent as part of the Gregorian mission
An Inspiring Three Days at Diocesan Conference 2024
"Throughout conference God has been teaching me that we go in His strength, not our own." This week, leaders from across the diocese gathered at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick for 48 hours of prayer, worship and teaching at the annual Diocesan Conference. This year's theme was 'Healthy Leaders, Flourishing Churches'. It was such an inspiring and encouraging time of hearing stories from around the diocese, teaching on leadership from Revd Dr Kate Middleton, and worshipping God together, as well