An Evening of Burgers & Worship at the Apprentice Track Network Event
On Monday evening, young adults from churches across the diocese gathered at Holy Trinity Lenton for the final Apprentice Track Network Event of the academic year. The evening began with a barbecue outside the church in the evening sunshine. It was a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones over burgers. With around 14 churches represented in the gathering, it was great to be able to spend time together and hang out. After this time of community,
Good News Spotlight: St Ann with Emmanuel receives funding for new solar PV power system
St Ann with Emmannuel church in St Ann's, Nottingham, has had funding approved for a new solar PV power system and battery storage which will reduce energy costs improve the building's overall environmental sustainability. The grant of £20,286 was awarded by the FCC Communities Foundation, which is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund. The grant is a significant step towards sustainability for the church and an encouraging example of what can be achieved in
Can I Ask a Question? A Youth Alpha Story
Earlier this year, Zac felt inspired by one of our Living Hope Stories to run Youth Alpha in his school. He asked his headteacher about it, and thanks to her willingness and with the help of Lady Bay Church and Connect Gamston to help make it happen, children in the school were able to explore faith and learn about Jesus. We found this story so inspiring and are pleased to share it with you below. https://youtu.be/FQ0ZgLKkEU8 With huge thanks to Pierrepont Gamston School
Ordination Weekend Highlights – 2026
It was a glorious, sunny weekend as friends, families and colleagues gathered at Southwell Minster to celebrate the ordination of eight Priests and twelve Deacons. Ordination of Priests The Ordination of Priests was a joyful service on Saturday that celebrated and welcomed Wendy, Jane, Olly, Luke, Jo, Liam and Lesley into this new phase of ministry. There was also a special service on Sunday evening at Worksop Priory as Robert Garnett was also ordained priest. Revd James Halstead, Director of Discipleship & Ministry, delivered a powerful sermon on
Schools come together for the Living Hope Conference 2026
Around 100 teachers and leaders from schools across the Diocese gathered together on Wednesday 24th June at Nottingham Trent University's Clifton campus to encourage one another and spend time hearing inspiring talks about faith in schools. The conference started with worship led by Bluecoat Aspley students, which included a choreographed performance called From Brokenness to Hope. There wasn't a dry eye in the room! The day included a keynote talk from experienced educator Paul Rusby on spiritually flourishing schools, inspiring worship from
Ordination Photos 2026
Please see below the photos from the 2026 Petertide ordination services. Click the links to view - you can download individual images or the full album: Ordination of Priests 2026 - 4th July Ordination of Deacons 2026 - 5th July
Christ’s Devotion to Us | Start the Month with Bishop Paul and Sarah (194)
As we approach ordination weekend, in Start the Month for July Bishop Paul and Sarah give thanks for the new callings on the lives of the candidates being ordained, offered in love in response to Jesus. Drawing from the book of Song of Songs, a love poem from a couple expressing their devotion to one another, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on how this story is fulfilled through the relationship of Christ to his bride, the Church. Through his devotion to
A Beautiful Morning Together at the Hope Service
On Monday 29th June, a congregation from across the diocese gathered in the Archbishop's Palace Gardens, with Southwell Minster in the background, to pause, reflect, and remember those with lived experience of trauma. The service took place in front of the Hope Bench, which has been a place of safety, reflection and support since it was dedicated in 2023. The service was jointly organised by the diocesan safeguarding team and Southwell Minster. It featured prayer and reflection led by members of
People Update – July 2026
BISHOPS' OFFICE BISHOPS' ADVISORS FOR LEADERSHIP FORMATION & SPIRITUAL RENEWAL We are delighted to announce that Jon and Jo Soper will be joining the Diocese on a part-time basis from the Autumn, serving as Bishops’ Advisors for Leadership Formation and Spiritual Renewal. Their work will seek to help leaders across the Diocese respond to God’s calling, especially those stepping into new roles or pioneering new areas of ministry. This role has been made possible with thanks to external funding. Jon and Jo
Fun, Faith and Fellowship at Church Fun Days
Over the past couple of weeks, a number of churches across the diocese have hosted community fun days, welcoming people from their parishes for a day of fun with bouncy castles, music, activities, stalls and free food. Below are some highlights! St Ann with Emmanuel Nottingham Members of St Ann with Emmanuel Church took part in a 'Feel Good Festival' organised by the Renewal Trust. It was well attended by lots of families from the area. We had a stall offering prayer, and