People Update – September 2025
PARISH NEW VICAR FOR ST JOHN'S WORKSOP Revd. Gareth Banton, at present Team Vicar in the benefice of Eccleston Team of Churches and Priest-in-Charge of St Mark's North Road in the Diocese of Liverpool, to be Vicar in the benefice of St John's Worksop. Gareth will be licensed on Monday 1st December, 7pm at St John's Worksop. Please pray for Gareth as he prepares for this new role. NEW PRIEST-IN-CHARGE FOR NORWELL WITH OSSINGTON, CROMWELL, CAUNTON & SUTTON WITH CARLTON-ON-TRENT Revd. David Lewis, at
Summer Stories Part 1
It has been great to see summer events and celebrations taking place across parishes in the diocese, bringing together families and the community. Below are some highlights. St Mary's Sutton-in-Ashfield On 19th July, the different congregations from St. Mary Magdalene pulled together to put on a fantastic summer celebration for the local community. There were stalls, teddy bears zip lining, cakes, games, prizes, refreshments, open church, demonstrations and the church school worship choir, all bringing many different walks of life in Sutton together. Kitty
Good News Spotlight: Over 100 students attend optional worship service at Queen Elizabeth Academy
Last month, as part of the Flourish pilot, Queen Elizabeth Academy hosted its first major Flourish event, an Opt-in Worship service. Held during the school day, it was a joyful afternoon as 150 students chose to come and find out more about what was happening and join in with an amazing worship service. Flourish is a national initiative aiming to launch 40 new worshipping communities in schools and colleges, in partnership with local churches, to help nurture a younger and more diverse church. Hannah,
Applications for the School of Worship 2025/26 are Now Open!
The School of Worship is a programme run by Trinity Church Nottingham open to leaders and teams from across the diocese and beyond. The Leadership Programme aims to resource those who lead contemporary sung worship and / or lead contemporary worship teams, deepening skills in leading worship and guiding others to encounter God. This is the third year of the programme, and previous contributors have included Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Nick Herbert, Lucy Grimble and more. The programme is designed to
Start the Month in August with Bishop Paul and Sarah (183) – 1st August 2025
'Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.' Psalm 4:3 As we enter August, a month that often invites rest and refreshment, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Psalm 4, reminding us of God’s joy and peace that is available to us whatever our circumstances. They share how in the Psalm, David draws confidence from the fact that God desires him and hears his cry for help. This can
Licensing of Beth Resch and James Moring as Priests-in-Charge
We’re thankful for the two joyful licensing services took place across the diocese this week! Rev'd Beth Resch Licensed as Priest in Charge of St Paul’s, Carlton-in-the-Willows Tuesday evening was a chance to pray and worship together in one of our urban contexts, as Rev'd Beth Resch was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of St Paul’s, Carlton-in-the-Willows. Beth is married to Luke, and they have two young daughters. In 2022, sensing God’s leading, the family moved to Nottingham for Beth to serve her curacy at
People Update – August 2025
PARISH RETIREMENT Revd. David Rowe, at present Rector at Wiverton in the Vale, retired on 6th July 2025. David's last Sunday in the benefice was Sunday 6th July. We're grateful for David's ministry in the diocese, please do pray for him as he begins retirement. NEW VICAR FOR ST MARK'S WOODTHORPE Revd. Daniele Bocchetti, at present Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity & the Priory Lenton, to be Vicar in the Benefice of Woodthorpe. The licensing date is to be confirmed. Please pray for
INEQE Safeguarding Audit: July Briefing
As part of our ongoing preparation for the INEQE Safeguarding Audit, we are continuing to make good progress to ensure that our Diocese and Cathedral are ready to demonstrate best safeguarding practice and identify areas where we can strengthen our culture and processes further. The audit will take place from 7–9 January 2026 as part of the national Church of England review following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). In this month's briefing, meet the INEQE Project Board, read the audit
Accepting You’re Accepted – Molly’s Living Hope Story
“Jesus accepts me because he loves me, and I don’t need to earn that love.” It was great to hear Molly’s story of discovering the love and acceptance Jesus freely gives to each of us. Molly grew up going to church, but always thought of it as an activity she did rather than a relationship with Jesus. Whilst at university, she heard and understood for the first time that Jesus had died for her, and that she didn’t need to
Ordination of Jonathan Napper as Deacon
It was a joyful evening on Wednesday as friends, family and the congregation of St Mary’s Church Radcliffe-on-Trent gathered to celebrate the ordination of Jonathan (Jo) Napper as Deacon, welcoming him into this new phase of ministry. Jo grew up in Bishop’s Stortford, Herts where he met his wife, Gill, when she was studying for her teaching degree. They married in 1979 and have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Jo’s career spanned 47 years in private and public sector organisations working in