Licensing of Jim Prestwood as Associate Archdeacon
Tuesday evening was a wonderful occasion as friends, family and members of the local community gathered at Southwell Minster for Evening Prayer and the licensing service of the Revd Jim Prestwood as Associate Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Jim was licensed and commissioned by Bishop Paul. The congregation received a warm welcome from the Revd Dr Stephens, Dean of Southwell. The first reading, from Haggai 1:12–2:9, was followed by a reading from Luke 1:46–55. Archdeacon Phil preached the
New Building Management Portal replacing Online Faculty System in October
The Church of England is introducing the Building Management Portal, a new national digital system for managing applications relating to works on churches, their contents, and churchyards, with a planned release date of 6th October 2026. The new portal has been designed to make the application process easier to follow and to improve consistency in the way casework is managed. It will give users clearer information about application stages, supporting documents and the actions needed as an application progresses. The portal will
INEQE action planning, safeguarding risk register & diocesan staffing changes | DSAP June 2026
Sally Hodges, the Independent Chair for Southwell & Nottingham’s Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP), has summarised the key messages from the last panel meeting earlier in the summer. The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) met in June, and I am pleased to say that there was good representation from our partner colleagues, as well as safeguarding professionals and other senior leaders. 1. Draft INEQE report received DSAP was happy to hear that the draft report from the INEQE safeguarding audit had been received
Summer Stories from Across the Diocese: Part 2
It is always wonderful to see exciting summer events and celebrations taking place across parishes in the diocese, bringing together families and the community. If you missed our first collection of summer stories, you can catch up here. Below are some more highlights! All Saints Annesley All Saints Annesley welcomed around 75 children and teachers from Kirkby Woodhouse and Annesley schools for a wonderful day exploring bees, nature and the importance of caring for creation. The children met beekeeper Simon, who introduced them to
People Update – August 2026
PARISH NEW PRIEST-IN-CHARGE FOR MANSFIELD ST AUGUSTINE & PLEASLEY HILL ST BARNABAS Revd Eden Parris at present Assistant Curate at St John’s with St Mary’s, Mansfield and St Augustine’s with St Barnabas, Mansfield is to be Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of Mansfield St Augustine and Pleasley Hill St Barnabas. Please join us in praying for Eden as he steps into this new role. JUBILEE HOUSE Donna-Marie Griffiths has joined the central support team at Jubilee House as Lead for Enhancing Diversity. Enhancing Diversity is
How do you stay steady in trials? | Start the Month with Bishop Paul & Sarah (195)
"I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." Psalm 16:8 How do you stay steady in your faith when you face trials? In Start the Month for August, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Psalm 16 and the assurance that, whatever we face, we are never alone. The psalm reminds us that Jesus' triumph on the cross means we are loved and forgiven, and have a living hope in Jesus
Summer Stories from Across the Diocese: Part 1
It has been so wonderful to see exciting summer events and celebrations taking place across parishes in the diocese, bringing together families and the community! Below are some highlights. St Peter and St Paul's Church, Mansfield On Saturday 27 June, St Peter’s and St Paul’s welcomed the local community for a successful Open Day, with visitors enjoying a warm welcome despite the hot weather. Families and friends explored the beautiful church and grounds while enjoying a BBQ, bell ringing, games, music,
Stand for Synod 2026: Information for General Synod elections
New clergy and lay members will be elected for General Synod this year, with nominations open between 14th August and 7th September. Those elected will serve as General Synod members for the next five years. General Synod members have the opportunity to represent their community and diocese on a national level and have a say in legislation that affects the whole Church of England. They attend the twice-annual General Synod meetings in person or online, with travel and accommodation expenses covered. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWspnvrc270 To
LLM Final Retreat Weekend at Launde Abbey
Last weekend, our 12 training Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) travelled to the beautiful Launde Abbey for their final retreat, marking the end of two years of training and preparing them for their licensing this September. The retreat was a space to reflect and celebrate all that God has been doing throughout their journey. Together they shared in worship and prayer, deepened friendships, and received teaching on what it means to lead like Jesus. It was such a refreshing time and an opportunity
Bishop Paul speaks out for children in care at General Synod
At General Synod on Tuesday 14th July, Bishop Paul spoke in support of a private member's motion putting forward the appointment of a lead bishop to advocate for the more than 80,000 looked after children in England, care leavers and carers. After the debate, members of the Synod voted unanimously in favour of the motion, which had been brought by Billy-Jo O'Leary. To hear what Bishop Paul said on the topic, watch the video below or scroll to read his full transcript.