LLM Final Year Retreat 2025
Ahead of their upcoming licensing in October, our Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) in training went on their final residential retreat last weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Bestwood Lodge Hotel. It was a wonderful weekend of fun, worship, reflection and prayer, as the fifteen candidates celebrated the last two years of training and looked ahead to their licensing. For the fifteen candidates, it marked both the culmination of two years of learning and preparation, and the beginning of a new chapter in
Good News Spotlight: Vicar at St Mary’s Bulwell receives Governor’s Award
We are always grateful for how God is working across our diocese and we love to share stories of His goodness. This week we heard that Fr Andrew Fisher, Vicar at St Mary the Virgin and All Souls Bulwell and a Diocesan Foundation Governor at Bulwell St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, was given a Governor’s Award at a Transform Trust celebration for his impact and hard work as a governor. Transform Trust are an innovative Multi Academy Trust of 25
Licensing of Jake Hyatt as Priest-in-Charge of St Thomas & St Wilfrid Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Monday 21st July was a special evening as Revd Jake Hyatt was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefices of Kirkby-in-Ashfield St Thomas and St Wilfrid. The church was full and the service was a celebration that marks the beginning of a new phase of ministry both for Jake and for the people of that community, as together they anticipate God’s blessing on the years ahead. Bishop Andy Emerton and Revd Canon Dr Richard Kellett (Associate Archdeacon & Area Dean for Newstead)
Jubilee House Volunteer Day 2025
It was such a joy for the central support team from Jubilee House to head out to St Ann with Emmanuel Nottingham and St Nicholas Tuxford on Wednesday for our annual Volunteer Day, working with teams from both churches to help clear and refresh the spaces. The two teams spent time painting, clearing, weeding, mowing and tidying! We’re so thankful to have been able to partner with these churches, and for the amazing welcome we received! Kristine (Parish Discipleship Enabler) shared a
Apprentice Track End of Year Celebrations
Over the past couple of weeks we have celebrated the end of year for both year 1 and year 2 interns on the Apprentice Track. It’s been an incredible year of growth and community with people who are passionate followers of Jesus. The final session with the year 1's on the Apprentice Track included worship, teaching from Bishop Andy, time to pray for one another and celebrate with pizza. At the Leadership Track celebration, each intern had the opportunity to
Finding God in Prayer – Jonathan’s Living Hope Story
“God if you’re there, let me know feel your presence.” We recently sat down with Jonathan to hear his story of wrestling with faith throughout his teenage years. Jonathan grew up in a Christian family but when he was in his early teens, he started to call himself an atheist as he felt didn’t have any evidence for his beliefs. However, through getting involved in a local youth group he decided to give prayer a go when his friend was
Recognise Week: Celebrating Youth & Children’s Workers & Volunteers
This week (7th-13th July) is Recognise Week, a national celebration to honour everyone involved in ministry with children, young people and their families. Recognise is an initiative of the Church of England’s 30k Project, which aims to raise up to 30,000 new children and youth leaders by 2030 through the recruitment of volunteers, training and formation of new CYPF minister, and enhancing support for existing CYPF ministers. Ruth Lee, diocesan Growing Younger Disciples Lead, is part of the 30k project board. On Tuesday 8th July,
Joy of Leadership – Esther’s Living Hope Story
"I'm here, this is who I am: God, use me." This term we've been focusing on 'Growing Leaders', one of our seven areas of focus. As part of this, we sat down with Esther to hear her story of moving from being a student in Nottingham, to intern, to leading the youth ministry at St Nic's Nottingham. Esther has since also invested in other youth interns who have gone on to lead in other churches across the diocese. Here she talks
An Inspiring Day at the 2025 Safeguarding Conference
Last Saturday (5th July) was a great day at The Minster School in Southwell, as over 100 attendees including clergy, parish officers and volunteers from across the diocese gathered for the 2025 Safeguarding Conference. Centred on the theme 'Supporting Vulnerable Groups in Our Churches,' the day offered reflection, learning and valuable insight. The conference began with worship and reflection led by Associate Archdeacon, Richard Kellett, who reminded us that safeguarding lies at the very heart of Jesus Christ’s ministry. Two keynote speakers delivered thought-provoking
Start the Month in July with Bishop Paul and Sarah (182) – 4th July 2025
'Blaze, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire' Do you feel the fire of God’s love burning brightly, or perhaps you feel like your faith is flickering? As they stand near the old fireplaces of Archbishop’s Palace, in Start the Month for July Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on how God meets us where we are and can rekindle the fire in our hearts. Drawing on the book of Job, they share how despite the struggles and sufferings we may face, we have