Stories of Nurture Courses Across the Diocese – Part 2
Last term, as a diocese we had a particular focus on 'enabling commitment', one of our seven areas of focus, and over 50 nurture courses took place across the diocese. We have been so encouraged by the many stories that have emerged
22 Years of Faithful and Generous Service
At Diocesan Synod on the 10th May Canon Michael Arlington stepped down as Chair of the Finance Committee, after 22 years of faithful and generous service. Michael has made an enormous contribution to the life of the Diocese, particularly in financial leadership, over the past two decades. Michael has ensured that diocesan resources have been well stewarded, including our fruitful investment in solar and wind energy, and has been a key strategic advisor to three Diocesan Bishops. With two chief executives over
Churches across Nottinghamshire Mark VE Day Anniversary with Bell Ringing Tribute
Church bells rang out across Nottinghamshire on Thursday 8th May 2025 as more than 50 churches took part in nationwide celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The peals began at 6.30pm, echoing the moment in 1945 when the bells were first rung again after years of wartime silence. During World War II, UK church bells had been silenced, reserved only to warn of invasion. Ringers from nearly 50 towers joined the commemorations, with some teams travelling between
God Made a Way – Liz’s Living Hope Story
God had carried me through all of this stuff, so I just trusted him and gave it a go." It was such a delight to hear Liz’s story as she rediscovered faith in her 40’s and found the joy of Jesus. As Liz gradually got more involved in her local church, she was encouraged by her vicar to explore ordination. This led her on an unexpected path of leaving her family business to become an ordained priest. If you're thinking about where
Bishop Paul speaking at the VE Commemoration Debate
As part of the VE Day events this week, Bishop Paul spoke in the House of Lords on Friday in the VE Day Commemoration debate. In his speech he paid tribute to the armed forces chaplains that served with great distinction, as well as the The Notts Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry who were one of the four regiments tasked to lead the British assault landings on the normandy beaches on D-Day. He reflected on the tragedy felt across Nottingham 84 years ago
Start the Month in May with Bishop Paul and Sarah (180) – 2nd May 2025
‘When this happens, this is a move of the Holy Spirit’ Have you heard of someone new coming to church recently? For 'Start the Month' in May, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on an encouraging season as we continue to hear stories of people entering into churches across our diocese, often for the first time. Psalm 122 reminds us of the deep joy we can share as we ‘go to the house of the Lord’ and enter God’s presence together.
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Thursday 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, commemorating the end of the Second World War in Europe. Churches across England will participate in a series of commemorations to mark this historic occasion. A key part of the day will be the ringing of church bells at 6:30 p.m, echoing the joyful sounds that swept the country in 1945. Churches and cathedrals, including those in Southwell and Nottingham, will ring their bells as a
Gold Award for St Wilfrid’s Calverton
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27 Sunday 27th was a day of celebration for St Wilfrid's Calverton as after many years of hard work, they were presented with a Gold Award from A Rocha UK as an Eco Church. This is the first Gold Award in our Diocese and one of only a small number across the UK. A Rocha explains on their website that 'Achieving gold means that
Vision Update Video
In this update video, Bishop Paul and Bishop Andy share an update on the vision and mission across our diocese, a year on from our vision refresh. https://youtu.be/OkUcpyApfXY They focus particularly on two of our 7 areas of focus, 'Nurturing Prayer' and 'Enabling Commitment' and also introduce 3 new funds designed to support churches across the diocese. You can find out more about these here: https://southwell.anglican.org/church-growth Thank you for all that you do in the life of your parish and ministry, and we
Churches celebrating Easter across the diocese
It was such an incredible Holy Week and Easter across our Diocese. Read below for some short stories and highlights from across the diocese. St Michael's, Bramcote Holy Week and the Easter weekend were filled with inspiring moments and meaningful community gatherings at St Michael's Bramcote. Maundy Thursday began with a Holy Communion service with a reading from Exodus 12, recounting God’s command to commemorate the Passover with a special meal. This was followed by a reading from John 13, describing Jesus washing the disciples’ feet