Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham’s ‘Home for Christmas’ campaign reaches over 2 million views
Last month, our Christmas short film inviting people to rediscover church as a place of welcome and belonging reached more than 2 million views, striking a chord with audiences across social media. The Home for Christmas film is a modern retelling of the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, told in the style of a John Lewis Christmas advert. The story centres on themes of forgiveness, reconciliation and coming home, ending with a simple invitation for viewers to ‘find a church near you’. The
Start the Month in January with Bishop Paul and Sarah (188) – 2nd January 2026
‘Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates on his law day and night.’ Psalm 1:2 In a special Start the Month for January and the New Year, join Bishop Paul and Sarah as they walk in Southwell and read from Psalm 1, reflecting on the blessings that flow to us through Jesus. Psalm 1 opens a door into all the blessings that flow to us from Christ, and inspires us to keep trusting him
Bishop Paul’s Christmas Sermon from Southwell Minster
'Jesus was born not to make sure we know how badly we’ve messed things up, but so that we can discover how greatly we are loved by God.' In his Christmas sermon at the Midnight Communion in the Cathedral on Christmas Eve, Bishop Paul spoke about how at Christmas, God comes to find us in Jesus, offering a peace that can satisfy our very deepest need and longings, and inviting our hearts to come home to Him. He reflected on the success
Start the Day on Christmas Eve with Bishop Paul and Sarah (187) – 24th December 2025
‘God doesn’t leave things to chance - he creates order and beauty out of chaos’ In this special Start the Day message on Christmas Eve, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on the angels appearing to the shepherds in Luke 2 - a moment where heaven breaks into the ordinary and the shepherds’ eyes are opened to a wonder that changes their perspective. As we look at the chaos around the world or in our own lives, Bishop Paul and Sarah remind us
O Holy Night | Home for Christmas
'A thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices' We've loved seeing the many reactions to our Christmas short film, 'Home for Christmas', and we are now pleased to share with you the beautiful rendition of O Holy Night from the film. This cover is performed by Hannah Crutch (Diocesan Worship Leader Facilitator) and Tom Walters (Diocesan Contemporary Worship Lead). As you listen, we hope you are reminded of God's deep love for you, the Good News of Jesus, and the warm
School of Worship 2026
The School of Worship is a programme run as a collaboration between the diocese and Trinity Church Nottingham open to anyone who is part of a church within the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. If you are passionate about leading others into the presence of God and someone who wants to develop their knowledge and practical skills in contemporary worship leading, this is for you. This year, Tom Walters (Diocesan Contemporary Worship Lead) and Hannah Crutch (Diocesan Worship Leader Facilitator) will
New Dean of Southwell Visits the Diocese
On Sunday, it was announced that the Revd Canon Dr Stephen Evans has been appointed as the new Dean of Southwell. On Monday he visited the diocese with his wife, Diana, to visit Southwell Minster and other churches in the diocese, and met members of the Minster Community as well as leaders from the county and diocese. The morning included meetings with Bishop Paul, the Lord-Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering, and Interim Dean, Revd Canon Dr Neil Evans. They received
New Dean of Southwell announced
The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Evans has been appointed as the new Dean of Southwell. For the last 16 years, Dr Evans has been Rector of St Marylebone in central London and before served as Rector of Uppingham and the Rural Dean of Rutland. “It is a great joy to have been asked by Bishop Paul to become the next Dean of Southwell and to be returning to the East Midlands,” Dr Evans shared, “I am indebted to the Revd Canon Dr
Christmas Stories Part 1
We've loved seeing and hearing about all the Christmas events and services taking place in churches across the diocese this month, as we invite people to 'Come home this Christmas'. Read on to hear a selection of what has been taking place across the diocese, and come back next week for even more stories! St Wilfrid's, Wilford St Wilfrid’s welcomed an exceptional number of families and visitors to their Christingle service last Sunday: a lively, interactive celebration complete with Christingle-making and even someone
People Update – December 2025
PARISH NEW VICAR FOR ST LEONARD'S WOLLATON Revd. Mark Fraser, at present Vicar in the benefice of Gamston and Bridgford, is to be Rector in the benefice of Wollaton St Leonard. Mark's last Sunday in Gamston will be 8th February 2026. Licensing date to be announced. Please pray for Mark as he prepares to move on to this new role, and for the benefice of Gamston and Bridgford as they prepare for a time in vacancy. MOVING ON Revd. Canon Peter Huxtable, at present