Nurture courses running across the diocese this new year
This term, as a diocese we're focusing on enabling commitment, one of our seven areas of focus. We're praying for 50 nurture courses to be running across the length and breadth of the diocese. We're really excited that so far we know of 35 courses taking place between now and Easter giving people to opportunity to take their first steps in deciding to follow Jesus. Look out for an interactive map with all these courses coming next week! If you'd like
Start the Month in January with Bishop Paul and Sarah (176) – 3rd January 2025
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20 In a message to Start the Month in January, focusing on Psalm 1, Bishop Paul and Sarah speak about the value of reading from the Bible each day as we seek to walk in God’s ways. Drawing on the words in Ephesians 3, we are encouraged to pray bolder prayers this month, remembering
Bishop Paul’s Christmas Sermon from Southwell Minster
‘How our hearts can find a home and be at rest in God’s love at Christmas’ In his Christmas sermon at the Midnight Communion in the Cathedral on Christmas Eve, Bishop Paul spoke about the way God’s peace can help our hearts to find rest and a true home in the love of Christ. He posed the question: “How do we find the peace about which the angels sang, when so many things in our lives and world seem to conspire to make
Revd Dr James Saunders inducted and installed as vicar of St Mary’s Nottingham
‘I pray that you will be a church where the Wisdom of God is made known, in your worship, your prayers, your service to the people of Nottingham, and in your compassionate, confident and courageous mission, above all in Growing Disciples in partnership with churches across this city.” Tuesday evening was a significant evening in the city as Revd James Saunders was inducted and installed as vicar of St Mary's Church, Nottingham. The words above are from Bishop Paul's sermon during the
Christmas Stories Part 2
With less than a week to go until Christmas, there have been so many stories of hope, peace, love and joy in our parishes this Advent. From carolling trams to overflowing services, parish retreats and creative school visits. Read below for some of the encouraging stories across our Diocese. The Carolling Tram - St Wilfrid's, Wilford In partnership with the Nottingham Express Transit team, Revd Jacob Tyers and a group from St Wilfrid's in Nottingham gathered together at Clifton South tram-stop
December’s Diocesan Day of Prayer
Amongst the often busy season of Advent, Thursday 12th was a special day of prayer set aside for the Diocese. Each month churches and schools are encouraged to pray together as we seek God's Living Hope for the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond. City Prayer - Council House, Market Square Thursday began at 7:00am in the Council House, right in the centre of the city. Nottingham City Prayer is a monthly gathering for churches across denominations to
Nine Candidates Confirmed at St Mary Magdalene in Hucknall
'Forgiveness, fruitfulness and fulfilment.' It was such a joyful day on Sunday at St. Mary Magdalene, Hucknall as 9 candidates were confirmed in a service led by Bishop Andy. The sermon was on Luke 5 and Jesus calling the first disciples, where Jesus invites them ‘into deep water’. Bishop Andy shared how Jesus invites each one of us to a life of depth that is full of forgiveness, fruitfulness and fulfilment. Luke 5 v5-11 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put
Christmas Stories Part 1
As the Advent season continues and Christmas draws closer, we have loved seeing and sharing uplifting stories from parish events across the diocese, where many have been warmly welcomed into churches to discover the hope Jesus brings at Christmas! St Nic's, Nottingham As part of their refugee support ministry, this week St Nic's Church delivered 200 gifts to asylum seekers living in the city centre. Each gift contained chocolates donated by the congregation along with toiletries for the adults, toys for the children,
National Safeguarding Standards Workshops
The Church of England's National Safeguarding Standards were introduced in October 2023, having been in the process of development since 2020. The Standards are essential for the Church to understand the quality and the impact of all safeguarding activity. The intention is that all safeguarding activity in the church will relate to one or more of the standards. The Diocese needs to evidence full compliance by the end of December 2027, so we are keen to start this process early
Christingle Celebrations!
"Through the lighting of these Christingles, we thanked God for the joy, hope, love and peace that has been given to us in Jesus." The start of the Advent season has seen lots of Christingle services take place across the diocese, welcoming families into churches to discover more about the light of Christ and the hope that Jesus brings at Christmas. The Cranmer Group Over 100 people from local villages attended the Christingle Café Church, enjoying a bacon cob breakfast, a giant orange centerpiece, and the