God’s Got Me – Sophie’s Living Hope Story
"I'm one of God's children - He's always got me in His hands." Sophie sat down with us to share her story of experiencing God’s love and care throughout her life. Sophie has grown up going to church, but often found it a boring place to be. When she started secondary school, she found herself often getting into trouble, but began to pray and ask God to help her. When Sophie went to a Christian summer camp, she felt inspired to
Licensed Lay Ministry Applications Now Open!
Applications are now open for the next Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) cohort, beginning training this September. A Licensed Lay Minister is a lay person who, following a call from God, is trained and licensed by the Bishop to teach the faith, enable mission and lead in Church and society. LLMs are licensed to a parish or benefice and play a role in the wider leadership where they serve and minister in one or more of the following areas: Preaching &
The Face of Jesus – Jill’s Living Hope Story
“Jesus was calling me, and I chose to follow him.” It was so special to sit down with Jill and hear the story of how she first encountered and decided to follow Jesus. As a little girl she had gone to Sunday school, but it wasn’t until a trip to New Zealand later in life that she found faith and had an extraordinary encounter with Jesus. Returning home, Jill found an Alpha flyer on her doorstep, leading her to feel
Light of the World – Emilie’s Living Hope Story
“All I know is that I just love God.” It was such a joy to sit down with Emilie as she shared with us all the stories she’s been learning about Jesus in church and at school. Emilie first learnt about who God is when she went on a trip with her class to the local church, and after discovering more about who Jesus is, she decided to get baptised. Emilie loves learning about Jesus the light of the world, and
Start the Month in January with Bishop Paul and Sarah (189) – 6th February 2026
‘Are you more focused on what human beings are getting wrong in the world, than what a good God is making right?’ Gary Haugen, IJM In February’s Start the Month, Bishop Paul and Sarah share from Psalm 37, reflecting how our confidence and trust can remain firmly in the Lord in moments of difficulty and desperation. Using David’s words in the Psalm as a guide, they share three practices to build into our lives: be consistent in prayer, wait patiently
People Update – February 2026
JUBILEE HOUSE Kate Byrom has joined the diocesan central support team at Jubilee House as Head of Ministerial Development & Wellbeing. Kate will provide support for all those in licensed ministry (lay and ordained) to continue growing as leaders as they lead the work of Growing Disciples across the diocese. This includes ongoing ministerial development, managing the Ministerial Development Review process, and leading our approach to clergy wellbeing. Kate places Sarah Patten who was previously in this role. Katrina Proctor recently resigned as
A New Triennium for the Diocesan Board of Education
A new triennium of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) met on 28th January. The DBE is responsible for promoting a quality of education in the diocese that is consistent with the faith and practice of the Church of England. This includes religious education and collective worship. The diocesan education team supports work in our schools and as well as parishes to develop links and mission opportunities with local schools. With two thirds as new members, it was an opportunity to get to
An Unconventional Blessing – Jack’s Living Hope Story
“I now see my neurodivergence as an unconventional blessing.” It was such a gift to sit down with Jack and hear his story of faith. From a young age Jack believed in God, but during his teenage years he became angry at God as he noticed his neurodivergence making him different to others at school. Everything began to shift when he reflected on Jesus’ words in John 9, spoken about a man born blind: “This happened so that the works of God
February’s Diocesan Day of Prayer
We are excited to invite you to the next Diocesan Day of Prayer coming up on Thursday 12th February. This month, there will be an evening prayer and worship gathering taking place at St Swithun's Retford. Bishop Paul will be leading the time together, and we hope you will consider joining us where you can. Bishop Andy will also be presiding at Eucharist at Southwell Minster at 12.15pm. These gatherings are open to all and are an opportunity for worship and
Come and See – Di’s Living Hope Story
“Come, see and explore - see where it takes you.” Di’s understanding of faith growing up was of a God who should be feared. Over the last few years she’s experienced the devastation of cancer in her family, but often found herself turning to prayer. Di shared the story of encountering a loving God who cares intimately, through the words and support of the local vicar when planning her mum’s funeral. This set Di on a journey of discovering the