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.
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
“Care, kindness and God’s blessings” | Chaplaincy Report 2025
The Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham's Chaplaincy Report for 2025 is now available to download or read online. It is an encouraging look at the work of our chaplains across the Diocese, covering diverse environments from prisons, to hospitals and the armed forces. David McCoulough, our Diocesan Chaplaincy Lead, wrote in his introduction to the report, "The past year for many has been one of turmoil and uncertainty. Chaplaincy in its various guises has been present in many contexts across
Forgiven and Restored – Hannah’s Living Hope Story
“Jesus died for my sins, I am forgiven.” Hannah sat down with us to share her story of receiving God’s redemptive grace and forgiveness. Hannah grew up in a loving Christian home, but drifted from her faith in her teens and early adulthood. Hannah went on to make some regrettable decisions, but found God in the midst of her brokenness when searching for hope and comfort. Despite everything, Hannah’s family were reconciled together again and she has since rediscovered the impact
27 Candidates Confirmed at Woven St Margaret’s Aspley
It was an uplifting and encouraging evening last Sunday as 27 candidates from across the Nottingham North Deanery were confirmed by Bishop Paul during a service at St Margaret’s Aspley. The service was a joyful opportunity to celebrate the many ways God is at work in people’s lives, with candidates from St Mary’s Eastwood, St Helen’s Trowell, St Margaret’s Aspley, St Martin’s Bilborough, St Martha’s Broxtowe, All Saints Strelley, and St Aidan’s Basford. The service began with extended period of sung
St Martin’s Sherwood’s Cornerstone Success Story
We’ve been inviting churches across the diocese to join Cornerstone, a free online tool designed to encourage generosity and giving. The Cornerstone platform supports churches in understanding their current financial position, strengthening their finances, and growing a culture of generosity within the church. Cornerstone can support churches in three main ways: It provides access to a regularly updated grants database to help fund special projects. All churches receive completely free access to over 900 grants curated specifically for church needs. It uses your
Comfort in the Bible – Ryan’s Living Hope Story
“I found comfort in the Bible” It was so good to sit down with Ryan and hear his story of finding faith in the midst of loss. Ryan didn’t grow up with any experience of church, but a few years’ ago, he faced two huge bereavements which led to him questioning the meaning of life. Through the loss of his baby, Ryan and his wife connected with their local church, and after sharing his questions with the vicar, decided to try