People Update – March 2026
PARISH MOVING ON Revd. Sam Hustwayte at present Incumbent of the Benefice of Calverton, as well as Area Dean of Gedling and Chair of the House of Clergy is to be Archdeacon of Ludlow in the Diocese of Hereford. This is a really exciting move for Sam and we're really pleased for her (read more here). Please pray for Sam as she prepares for this new role, and for the benefice of Calverton as they prepare for a period of vacancy. JUBILEE HOUSE Ben Garry has
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
Invited to the Party – Nicola’s Living Hope Story
“I feel like I’m at the top of the iceberg - there’s so much more to discover.” Chatting to Nicola was such a joy, as she described her journey of faith. Nicola went to the toddler group at her local church and found it so warm and welcoming. Over time she became friends with one of the leaders, who then invited her to come along to a Sunday service. During the service, describing faith, the vicar spoke about a party
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