Finding God in Prayer – Jonathan’s Living Hope Story
“God if you’re there, let me know feel your presence.” We recently sat down with Jonathan to hear his story of wrestling with faith throughout his teenage years. Jonathan grew up in a Christian family but when he was in his early teens, he started to call himself an atheist as he felt didn’t have any evidence for his beliefs. However, through getting involved in a local youth group he decided to give prayer a go when his friend was
Joy of Leadership – Esther’s Living Hope Story
"I'm here, this is who I am: God, use me." This term we've been focusing on 'Growing Leaders', one of our seven areas of focus. As part of this, we sat down with Esther to hear her story of moving from being a student in Nottingham, to intern, to leading the youth ministry at St Nic's Nottingham. Esther has since also invested in other youth interns who have gone on to lead in other churches across the diocese. Here she talks
Start the Month in July with Bishop Paul and Sarah (182) – 4th July 2025
'Blaze, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire' Do you feel the fire of God’s love burning brightly, or perhaps you feel like your faith is flickering? As they stand near the old fireplaces of Archbishop’s Palace, in Start the Month for July Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on how God meets us where we are and can rekindle the fire in our hearts. Drawing on the book of Job, they share how despite the struggles and sufferings we may face, we have
People Update – July 2025
PARISH ASSOCIATE MINISTER FOR TRINITY CHURCH NOTTINGHAM Revd. Mark Wreford, at present Assistant Curate at Trinity Church Nottingham (BMO) to be Associate Minister (known as Associate Pastor for Church Planting and Leadership Development) at Trinity Church Nottingham. Mark was licensed at Jubilee House Chapel on 24th June 2025. Please pray for him as he continues his ministry at Trinity Church. This additional role has been enabled by generous funding from the National Church. JUBILEE HOUSE Revd. Sarah Patten will leave her role as Principal for
INEQE Safeguarding Audit: June Briefing
As you may know, our diocese is currently preparing for a Safeguarding Audit being carried out by INEQE Safeguarding Group, an independent organisation commissioned by the national Church of England. Our audit is scheduled for 7th–9th January 2026 and will take a close look at the safeguarding practices and culture across the diocese including the Cathedral and parishes, as part of a national review happening in every diocese across the country. This is a great opportunity to reflect on what’s working
Ordination Photos 2025
Please see below the photos from the 2025 Petertide ordination services. Click the links to view - you can download individual images or the full album: Ordination of Priests 2025 - 28th June Ordination of Deacons 2025 - 29th June
Ordination Candidates 2025
Please join us in praying for the candidates who will be ordained as Deacons and Priests on the 28th and 29th June. You can watch the Ordination of Priests service here, and the Ordination of Deacons service here. PRIEST CANDIDATES GRAHAM BAKER grew up in southeast London and was aware of wanting to follow Jesus from an early age. He spent time in academic research, with a DPhil in History, and then teaching before recognising a call to ministry within the church.
Bishop Paul’s Sermon for the Service of Celebration of the King’s Official Birthday
Sunday 15th June, Southwell Minster My text for this sermon is 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil…Show proper respect to everyone…” There’s a little volume called ‘The All Better Book’ in which children try to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, like what to do about global warming, how to stop wars and so on. And here’s one of the toughest questions they faced: ‘With billions of people in the world, someone
Three Named in King’s Birthday Honours List
We’re delighted to share that three people from churches and schools in the diocese have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours. Rita McCall, Deputy Verger at St Mary Magdalene Newark, has been awarded British Empire Medal (BEM). Alongside her role as Deputy Verger at St Mary’s, Rita has been the organiser of the church’s popular Christmas Tree Festival for the past 17 years, and it’s this that has been recognised through this award. Rita shared: “It is indeed a great honour
You’re invited: Diocesan Safeguarding Conference 2025
This year's Diocesan Safeguarding Conference is coming up on Saturday 5th July at The Minster School in Southwell, and this year for the first time, the conference is open to everyone serving in parish roles, paid or volunteer, as well as all clergy. Safeguarding is an important part of our shared life and ministry. Building upon last year’s conference focus on the National Safeguarding Standards and as we look ahead to next year’s INEQE Safeguarding Audit, the conference is a great