Bishop’s Address to Diocesan Synod – May 2026
This is the transcript of Bishop Paul's address to Diocesan Synod on 9th May 2026. Good morning, Synod. Shortly after being appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Wakefield in 1992, Nigel McCulloch declared that the diocese was to be renamed, ‘The Missionary Diocese of Wakefield’. At the time it had been struggling in various ways and morale was low. So it was a clear statement of intent that the whole life of the diocese, every action, every prayer, every appointment, the stewardship
Good News Spotlight: Many Gather to Support St Giles’ Lighting Project
It is always encouraging to see parishes finding creative ways to inspire generosity and bring their communities together. On the 6th of June - Saturday evening, St Giles hosted a quiz and auction night, providing a wonderful opportunity for people to gather and invite friends and family along. More than 150 people attended, and a fantastic evening was enjoyed by all. The generous funds raised from the event will go towards the major lighting and electrical project currently being undertaken by the
35 Confirmed at Southwell Minster on Eve of Pentecost
On Saturday 23rd May, the Eve of Pentecost, the families and friends of 35 confirmation candidates from across the Diocese gathered with the congregation of Southwell Minster to celebrate this important step in their journey of faith and their commitment to God. The candidates came from 14 parishes across the Diocese, including St Mark's, Mansfield; St Mary the Virgin and All Souls, Bulwell; St Margaret's, Bilsthorpe; St Mary's, East Leake; Christ Church, Worksop; St Peter's, Nottingham; St Mary's in the Lace
Good News Spotlight: Inspiring Students Gathering at Holy Trinity Lenton
Following this year's Thy Kingdom Come, around 60 students from churches from across Nottingham gathered at Holy Trinity Lenton on for an inspiring night of worship and prayer. Beginning at 10pm and continuing through until 5am, students came together to seek God, pray for the city and their campuses, and encourage one another in their faith. Naomi Porteous (Student Lead at Holy Trinity Lenton) shared : “It was encouraging to see students ready to sacrifice sleep to pray and intercede over students in Nottingham” We
Over 100 People Attend The DISCIPLE Course Pilot
"Joining in worship with people from across different churches felt very special" Over the past few months, more than 100 people have taken part in the DISCIPLE course pilot across three deaneries. The brand new five-week video course series is designed to inspire and equip participants to follow the teachings of Jesus into real life. The course helps to shape you as a disciple, exploring the 3C’s of the diocesan vision in detail & practice: Compassion, Confidence and Courage. DISCIPLE was hosted
Licensing of Emma Wilkinson as Vicar of All Saints Huthwaite
Sunday afternoon was a wonderful service at All Saints Huthwaite as Emma Wilkinson was licensed by Bishop Paul and inducted and installed as Vicar by Archdeacon Tors Ramsey. Archdeacon Tors shared from 2 Corinthians 4, reminding the community at All Saints that “we do not lose heart”, because the light of Jesus is at work in each of us, and we are called to share the treasure of this good news. April Hunt, Churchwarden and LLM at Huthwaite, shared: “Our thanks, praises
Diocesan Synod Summary – 9 May 2026
Diocesan Synod 9 May 2026 On Saturday 9 May the Diocesan Synod met at the Minster School, Southwell with the Revd Kate Byrom (Head of Ministerial Development and Wellbeing) and Tom Walters (Contemporary Worship Lead) leading the opening worship. Annual General Meeting Synod voted unanimously to receive the Annual Report and Consolidated Finance Statements, for the year ending 31 December 2025 as recommended by Bishop’s Council following their meeting on 20 April 2026. The Revd Colin Bourne, Interim Chair of Finance, paid tribute to Katrina
An Inspiring Archdeacons’ Visitations Gathering
Every year, the Archdeacons’ Visitations take place. These are formal church services, during which Churchwardens across each Archdeaconry are admitted. Archdeacon Tors Ramsey and Archdeacon Phil Williams gave thanks for the invaluable contribution churchwardens have made as well as celebrated those who are about to step into a new role.
Encouraging Pentecost Stories Across the Diocese
It was wonderful to see churches across our diocese, mark Pentecost with creativity, thanksgiving, and reflection. Below are some encouraging stories! St Mary's Bulwell At St Mary’s Bulwell, on Sunday 17th May ahead of Pentecost, there was a joyful and significant occasion as the church celebrated four baptisms. Among those baptised was Brandon Holton, who is preparing for his Confirmation at Southwell Minster on Saturday 23rd June. Brandon’s baptism was by full immersion, marking a first for St Mary’s Church as well
Confirmations at Trinity Church Nottingham
Last week, the families and friends of 12 confirmation candidates from across the diocese, including one candidate who was received into the Church of England, gathered with the congregation of Trinity Church Nottingham to celebrate their commitment to God. As the candidates prepared to be confirmed and receive a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, Rev Sam Watkins-Smith preached from Acts 2:1–17 on the church as a community filled with the Holy Spirit. He spoke about the Holy Spirit living