Good News Spotlight: St John’s at Carlton-in-Lindrick Awarded Disability Parish Grant
We are pleased to share that St John’s at Carlton-in-Lindrick has successfully secured funding through the Disability Parish Grant Scheme. Part of the Disability Project 2024, the Parish Grants Scheme supports parishes in enhancing accessibility and inclusion for those who are Deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent. Parishes can apply for funding for small projects, with grants of up to £5,000, or for larger works, with grants of up to £50,000. Small projects might include initiatives such as launching supportive groups for
People Update – December 2025
PARISH NEW VICAR FOR ST LEONARD'S WOLLATON Revd. Mark Fraser, at present Vicar in the benefice of Gamston and Bridgford, is to be Rector in the benefice of Wollaton St Leonard. Mark's last Sunday in Gamston will be 8th February 2026. Licensing date to be announced. Please pray for Mark as he prepares to move on to this new role, and for the benefice of Gamston and Bridgford as they prepare for a time in vacancy. MOVING ON Revd. Canon Peter Huxtable, at present
Home for Christmas: Christmas Parable 2025
This year, alongside Bishop Paul’s Christmas message, we are pleased to share a new parable short film created to reach out to audiences far and wide. At a time of year when our screens are filled with amazing Christmas adverts inviting us to buy delicious food and exciting gifts, this film offers something different. Rather than selling, it seeks to show you something. The story of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, and its invitation to ‘come
Licensing of Gareth Banton as Vicar of St John’s Worksop
It was another joy filled evening at St John’s Worksop last night as the Rev’d Gareth Banton was licensed, inducted and installed as Vicar by Bishop Andy. The choir from Redlands’ School beautifully sang a blessing over all present, and Archdeacon Tors opened her talk with a reminder that Jesus calls each of us by name. Recognising the achievement of the structural building work completed at St John’s during the vacancy, Tors reminded those present that first and foremost we are
8 Candidates Confirmed at Southwell Minster
During the Cathedral Eucharist on Sunday the 23rd, on the Feast of Christ the King, Bishop Andy confirmed 8 candidates from across the Diocese. Families and friends from six different parishes joined the Southwell Minster congregation to celebrate their commitment to Christ. Bishop Andy preached from Mark 4: 1–20, The Parable of the Sower, on the theme of bearing fruit. He shared, “It is our vision, hope, and prayer that the seed, God’s word, the good news of the kingdom, that
INEQE Safeguarding Audit: November Briefing
On 12th November, we reached a major milestone in our audit schedule with the successful submission of our safeguarding evidence to INEQE via the 360° Audit tool. This was a huge team effort: over the past few months we have been gathering, checking, and organising evidence from multiple systems and sources. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, over 600 pieces of evidence were pulled together in time for this important deadline—a real achievement for the whole team! This submission marks a
Licensing of Daniel Bocchetti as Vicar of St Mark’s Woodthorpe
Monday evening marked a joyful and Spirit-filled occasion at St Mark's Woodthorpe as the Revd Daniel Bocchetti was licensed as Vicar of the Benefice of Woodthorpe. The service was led by Bishop Paul, and the church was filled with members of the congregation, visiting clergy, community representatives and friends who gathered to welcome Daniel and his family. Bishop Paul preached on the story of The Road to Emmaus from Luke 24:13–35, reflecting on the moments when Jesus opens the eyes of his followers to recognise
27 Candidates Confirmed at St John’s Worksop
It was an uplifting and encouraging evening on Sunday celebrating and confirming 27 candidates from across Bassetlaw & Bawtry Deanery at a service at St John's Worksop. Bishop Andy led the service and spoke from Mark 4:1-20 and the Parable of the Sower. The service provided an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful stories of God at work in peoples’ lives, with candidates representing 6 different parishes. Bishop Andy reflected, "It was a joy and privilege to be at St John’s Worksop
Bishop Paul’s statement to Diocesan Synod following Jon Ruben’s court appearance
'I am profoundly shocked by the terrible abuse of children admitted by Jon Ruben. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the children and families affected by these appalling crimes. The abuse of trust and harm to the vulnerable is horrific in any setting, but it is especially shocking when it happens in a context that should have been safe and nurturing. Jon Ruben was a member of the PCC at St Peter’s Ruddington and also a volunteer working with
Diocesan Day of Prayer: November Highlights
On Thursday 13th November, across all four prayer gatherings at this month's Diocesan Day of Prayer, there were powerful times of sung worship, prayer, and listening to what God might be saying to us as a diocese. We prayed for the local church, for churches across the diocese, and for the church nationally. In the afternoon at Holy Trinity Lenton, Bishop Andy led a time of prayer framed by Colossians 4:2-6. There was a chance to hear stories of students in