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
Fr Robert Garnett’s Ordination as Deacon
Sunday 7th September was an encouraging evening as friends, family and the congregation of Worksop Priory gathered for the ordination of Robert Garnett as deacon, welcoming him into ordained ministry. The service was on the Eve of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was led by the Rt Revd Stephen Race, the Bishop of Beverley with Bishop Andy and other clergy from the diocese attending in support of Robert. Robert has spent over 20 years working with overseas relief and development
A New Cohort of Apprentice Track Interns!
This week, we welcomed a brand-new cohort of interns onto the Apprentice Track! Over two days, the group gathered to worship, pray, and look ahead to all that God has in store for the coming year. The induction days are a powerful moment where interns begin building relationships with their new cohort, step into their formation groups, and begin setting the tone for a year of growth, service, and discipleship. The days included teaching, space for reflection and an inspiring panel
LLM Opening Residential 2025
Last weekend, the new Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) training year began at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. It was an opportunity for the cohort to get to know each other and share in worship and prayer, setting their eyes on the God who loves them and has called them to serve Him. We are excited to welcome 13 new first year students to the course, as well as 16 returning 2nd year students. Angelika Bocchetti, School of Discipleship Lead, shared,
INEQE Safeguarding Audit: August Briefing
As part of our ongoing preparation for the INEQE Safeguarding Audit, we are continuing to make good progress to ensure that our Diocese and Cathedral are ready to demonstrate best safeguarding practice and identify areas where we can strengthen our culture and processes further. The audit will take place from 7–9 January 2026 as part of the national Church of England review following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). In this month’s briefing, read an update from Julian Hodgson (DSO), news