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
Home for Christmas: Christmas Parable 2025
This year, alongside Bishop Paul’s Christmas message, we are pleased to share a new parable short film created to reach out to audiences far and wide. At a time of year when our screens are filled with amazing Christmas adverts inviting us to buy delicious food and exciting gifts, this film offers something different. Rather than selling, it seeks to show you something. The story of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, and its invitation to ‘come
Licensing of Gareth Banton as Vicar of St John’s Worksop
It was another joy filled evening at St John’s Worksop last night as the Rev’d Gareth Banton was licensed, inducted and installed as Vicar by Bishop Andy. The choir from Redlands’ School beautifully sang a blessing over all present, and Archdeacon Tors opened her talk with a reminder that Jesus calls each of us by name. Recognising the achievement of the structural building work completed at St John’s during the vacancy, Tors reminded those present that first and foremost we are
INEQE Safeguarding Audit: November Briefing
On 12th November, we reached a major milestone in our audit schedule with the successful submission of our safeguarding evidence to INEQE via the 360° Audit tool. This was a huge team effort: over the past few months we have been gathering, checking, and organising evidence from multiple systems and sources. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, over 600 pieces of evidence were pulled together in time for this important deadline—a real achievement for the whole team! This submission marks a