Diocesan Governance Review
As some of you are aware, we commissioned an external review of diocesan governance towards the end of 2024. This review recommended several changes to our internal administration, including to increase the level of support for the Archdeacons’ Team and create a dedicated part time role to cover off aspects of governance that are currently spread between several roles. Bishop’s Council, as the Trustee Body of SNDBF, accepted the recommendations of the review in full, including an increase in the overall central
Licensing of Liz Mack as Priest-In-Charge of the Benefice of Beckingham, Walkeringham, Misterton, West Stockwith, Clayworth & Gringley-on-the-Hill
It was a full church in Beckingham on Monday evening as the Revd Liz Mack was licensed by Bishop Andy as Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Beckingham, Walkeringham, Misterton, West Stockwith, Clayworth and Gringley-on-the-Hill (known locally as Oswaldbeck). Liz will also serve alongside the Revd Louise Bearder and the Revd Becky Hancock and the wider team as a Mission Associate as part of our Rural pilot. The reading from 1 Samuel 3 reminded those present to be expectant that
Fresh Encounter: Inspiring Worship, Nurturing Prayer
Diocesan Conference 2025 Programme Welcome to Diocesan Conference 2025! We hope that this will be a particularly practical conference, with lots of space to worship, pray and listen to God together, as well as time to deepen relationships and encourage one another. Below you can find more information about each session as well as the Prayer Labs taking place on Tuesday afternoon. Lions on the Road, Love in the Way - Bishop Paul Williams (Monday, 3pm) In the context of worship, Bishop Paul will
A Knock at the Door – Barbara’s Living Hope Story
"The church can build bridges that are made of hope, faith and love." It was so special to sit down with Barbara and hear some of her story of finding community in the local church. After her husband passed away and she had to close their business, Barbara found herself alone and isolated. Until one day she had a knock at the door from someone from her local church, asking if they could pray for her. She was invited to
People Update – October 2025
PARISH RETIREMENT Revd. Peter Chantry, at present at present Vicar in the benefice of Skegby with Teversal is to retire with effect from 7th November 2025. We’re grateful for Peter’s ministry in the diocese, please do pray for him as he begins retirement. JUBILEE HOUSE Elisha Oak has joined the central support team at Jubilee House as Parish Communications Enabler. Elisha will be supporting parishes in developing clear, creative and missional communication. Her role is to enable parishes to communicate the life of their
Ordination of Emma Rolls as Priest
It was a wonderful evening in St Michael and All Angels Church, Bramcote on Monday as the Revd Emma Rolls was ordained Priest by Bishop Paul. The Revd Craig Hunt, Diocesan Director of Ordinands unpacked a little of what it meant to be a Priest, as he considered the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd from John’s Gospel. He reminded Emma that she was called to model her ministry on Jesus, the Good Shepherd: remembering who He is, listening
Licensed Lay Ministry Candidates 2025
Please join us in praying for the candidates who will be licensed as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) on the 4th October at Southwell Minster. HELEN BALLINGER has lived in Nottingham most of her life – with the exception of teenage years spent living in Cambridge and attending university in Birmingham. Helen is married to Andy and they have one daughter. Helen first went to church in Cambridge (a small, traditional village church) when her friend joined the choir there and invited her
Ordination of Peter Balchin as Deacon
It was great to be in St Michael’s Church, Farnsfield on Sunday morning as Peter Balchin was ordained deacon by Bishop Paul. Peter was born and raised in Devon and became a Christian in his teenage years, with his faith deepening through attending summer youth festivals. He has gradually made his way northward—first studying Geography at Swansea University, then spending seven years in London, where he completed an MSc at UCL, worked as a Student Worker, and later pursued a career
Finding a Best Friend – James’ Living Hope Story
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4 It was such a joy to hear some of James' story at Woven Churches 'Woven Together'! When James was sat with his grandma in her final days, he felt an overwhelming urge to open a drawer where he found a Bible. He began to read verses to her and
Licensing of Louise Bearder as Priest-In-Charge of the Benefice of Blyth and Scrooby with Ranskill
It was a wonderful evening on Monday as the Revd Louise Bearder was licensed as Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Blyth and Scrooby with Ranskill. As well as marking a new season for Louise and the benefice, Louise is also the first Mission Associate to be in post as part of ‘Cluster One’ which links together some of our northern and most rural benefices, as part of the rural pilot. It was a particularly meaningful moment as the Rev’d