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
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
A Vision of the Cross – Dave’s Living Hope Story
“I was once hopeless, but Jesus has brought me hope." It was amazing to hear Dave's story of a powerful encounter. Dave was an atheist, but when his dad died he found himself wondering if there was more to life. Whilst along at home, he had a vision of the cross which turned fear into hope. He's since been welcomed into church community, and faith has transformed his life, so much so that those around him cannot help but be curious
Coming Back Home – Laura’s Living Hope Story
“The first time I walked into church I was overwhelmed with the feeling of being back home.” Sitting down with Laura and hearing her story of returning to her childhood faith was such a joy. Laura stopped going to church in her university years, but when her daughter was born she felt a pull back. Instantly she felt she had returned home. As she began to get more involved, Laura sensed God inviting her to serve in a new way. She
People Update – January 2026
PARISH NEW PRIEST-IN-CHARGE IN WEST HUCKNALL Revd. Rachael Burn, at present Curate in the benefice of Hucknall St Mary Magdalene with St John the Evangelist, is to be Priest-in-Charge (Interim) of the benefice of West Hucknall, St Peter and St Paul. Rachael will be licensed on 24th February. Please pray for Rachael as she prepares for this new role. JUBILEE HOUSE Following some recent staff departures, we are pleased to welcome to Jubilee House the following colleagues, each helping us to support and equip