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
Safeguarding Drop-Ins Concerning Peter John Holland (Deceased)
We have previously circulated communications regarding concerns relating to Peter John Holland (deceased), who was convicted in 2011 of multiple criminal offences against children within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We are very keen to hear from you or anyone you know who has been affected either directly or indirectly by the actions of Peter Holland. All allegations or concerns of abuse, whether recent or non-recent, are taken seriously by the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. We would also like to ensure
Upcoming Diocesan Days of Prayer in 2026
Our Diocesan Days of Prayer in 2026 will continue after a short break in July and August. These days are important opportunities to bring members of multiple churches together in prayer as we continue seeking to grow disciples of Christ with compassion, confidence and courage across the diocese. On these evenings of prayer and worship, we are praying for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit in our lives, our churches and our schools, such that will bring an overflow
Guard Your Heart | Start the Month in June with Bishop Paul and Sarah (193)
‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’ Proverbs 4:23 What does it mean to guard our hearts? In Start the Month for June, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Proverbs 4, reminding us that we can guard our hearts by filling it with good things, above all with God’s wisdom from His Word. Bishop Paul and Sarah also share with us a worship song from ‘God Behind Bars’, an organisation that brings the message of hope
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.
People Update – June 2026
PARISH NEW RECTOR IN WIVERTON Revd. Lauren Simpson at present Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Lady Bay with Holme Pierrepont and Adbolton, to be Rector of the Benefice of Wiverton in the Vale. Lauren will be licensed on 15th July at 6pm at St Andrew’s, Langar. Please pray for Lauren and the congregations of Wiverton in the Vale as they prepare for this new season of ministry together. NEW AREA DEAN OF NEWARK & SOUTHWELL Revd Canon Dr Neil Evans to be Area Dean
Light at the End of the Tunnel – Cat’s Living Hope Story
“It felt like a world had been lifted off my shoulders” It was so special to sit down with Cat as she shared her story of finding God in the midst of a dark season in her life. Cat didn’t grow up in church, but after losing a baby at 24 weeks, she began a journey of exploring faith as she wrestled with why this had happened to her. Cat found community at her local church that made her feel that
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
Pupil Leaders Collective Conference 2026
The pupil leaders’ collective worship conference was a joyful celebration of our Church schools and the strong, meaningful collective worship they offer. Those attending were encouraged to reflect on how they ensure a warm and Christ like welcome in their school community and the workshops helped them to consider how they might develop and celebrate this. Staff and children from eighteen schools were welcomed to Southwell Minster by Canon Amanda Lees. They then took part in four creative workshops, exploring how their