35 Candidates Confirmed at Pentecost Eve Service
It was a Spirit-filled occasion on Saturday evening as 35 candidates from across the diocese were confirmed at Southwell Minster at the Pentecost Eve service. Bishop Paul led the service and spoke of knowing God as our Father and the particular power and gift of the Holy Spirit, drawing on Romans 8:14-18 and John 7:37-39. The service provided an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful stories of God at work in peoples’ lives, with candidates representing 12 different parishes. Read a selection
Start the Month in June with Bishop Paul and Sarah (181) – 6th June 2025
'Proverbs invites us to think and reflect on the wisdom it holds, as if we’re searching for treasure.' There are often times in our lives where we particularly need to seek God’s wisdom and guidance. In Start the Month for June, Bishop Paul and Sarah provide encouraging reflections from the book of Proverbs. They share how the passage invites us to dig deep, and reflect carefully on God’s word. ‘For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding’
Searching for More – Joyce’s Living Hope Story
‘There’s got to be more to life than this.’ We loved sitting down with Joyce to hear her story of faith. Joyce had a great life, but one day started to question if there was more. After an invite to church, she gradually became part of the community, but the moment Joyce asked Jesus into her life she couldn’t keep it to herself. Now years later, she is joining in with what God is doing in Wilford and loves to invest
Diocesan Synod Summary – 10 May 2025
Diocesan Synod 10 May 2025 On Saturday 10th May the Diocesan Synod met at The Minster School, Southwell with the Archdeacon of Newark, The Venerable Tors Ramsey, leading opening worship. Annual General Meeting Synod voted unanimously to receive the Annual Report and Financial Statements, as recommended by Bishop’s Council following their meeting on 29 April 2025. Canon Michael Arlington, Chair of Finance, provided an overview of financial performance and position. It was highlighted that Parish Share had increased significantly thanks to the hard work
Bishop’s Address to Diocesan Synod – Isaiah 35
This is the transcript of Bishop Paul's address to Diocesan Synod on 10th May 2025. I want to speak this morning about spiritual revival. I want to do that because one of our tasks as a Synod, in our stewardship of the work of God in this diocese, is to pay attention to the time and season we are in. Augustine famously said, ‘Lord, you made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.’ Over the past
Confirmations at Trinity Church Nottingham
Last week, the families and friends of 12 confirmation candidates from across the diocese gathered with the Trinity Church Nottingham congregation to celebrate their commitment to God. A range of ages and churches were represented among the candidates. It was a joyful occasion of celebration, and it was beautiful to have people close to each candidate gather around them to pray as they were confirmed. Bishop Andy preached an encouraging message, inspiring deeper surrender to Jesus and active witness to the
A Greater Plan – Charis’ Living Hope Story
‘Knowing Jesus has completely transformed my life.’ We loved sitting down with Charis to hear some of her story getting to know Jesus throughout her life. She grew up as “the vicar’s kid”, but when Charis encountered the Holy Spirit at a Christian conference aged 10, she felt a deep sense of being known by God for who she was. When finishing school Charis had plans to head off to university, until at that same conference years later she felt prompted
Seen and Known by God – Elisha’s Living Hope Story
'God said, "even if you lose everything, I'll still be beside you."' It was so great to sit down with Elisha and hear some of her story of how God turned pain into purpose. Whilst she grew up going to church, when things got tough she clung to faith when she felt she had nothing else. Moving to Nottingham and working with young people facing similar challenges, God began stirring something new in Elisha and she felt prompted to join @theapprenticetrack
A joyful day of baptisms at St Christopher’s Sneinton
Last Sunday was a joyful day at St Christopher’s Sneinton as 7 new disciples were baptised in an exciting moment in the life of the church! Revd. Marsha Farmer, curate at St Christopher’s, shared: “It was a glorious day and such a moment of celebration that St Christopher’s is growing! There was devotion, passion and tears of gratitude from these new disciples who committed to following Jesus with all of who they are - the place was full of the joy of
Applications Open for Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins Grant
Apply now for a grant to help you kickstart a net zero project in your church. Churches in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham looking to reduce their carbon emissions can now apply for a Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins grant to help launch a small project to their church or hall. Grants of up to £5,000 (£6,000 for non-listed building) can be applied for to help fund decarbonisation projects such as new LED lighting, pew heaters, insulation or updating electricity supplies. The Quick