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 were previously the Senior Leaders at Exeter Network Church in the Diocese of Exeter, which they founded and where they served for 20 years.
PARISH
NEW AREA DEAN FOR NEWSTEAD
Revd Dr Lee Gordon is to be Area Dean for the Deanery of Newstead for a period of 3 years with effect from 6th July 2026. This is following the Revd Canon Dr Richard Kellett’s term as Area Dean ending on 20th May 2026. Please join us in praying for Lee as she steps into this new role.
JUBILEE HOUSE
Julian Hodgson has retired from his role as Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) after an extended period of sick leave. Julian has made a significant contribution to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) over the last six years, initially on a seconded basis, building on his leadership of the DST in Derby. Please join us in praying for Julian in his next season as he seeks a different pace of life. As we look to build on Julian’s work over the last six years, we will be advertising a replacement to lead the DST into their next season.
OBITUARIES
The Revd. Valerie Sharpe a retired Priest living in Mansfield and more latterly in a Care Home, died on 23rd February 2026, aged 92. Valerie was a former Headteacher of St. Andrew’s CofE Primary School in Skegby and a Reader at St. Mary’s, Sutton-in-Ashfield. She was ordained Deaconess in 1984 and Deacon in 1988 in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham and the focus of her ministry was at St. Peter and St. Paul’s in Warsop. Valerie covered a time of interregnum at St. Lawrence, Mansfield, and was then at St. Mark’s, Mansfield where she was the first woman priest. In addition, Valerie made valuable contributions to the work of the Diocesan Education Committee. Valerie retired in 1998 and served with Permission to Officiate until 2018. Valerie died on 23rd February 2026; a Memorial Service with Requiem Mass was held on 24th March at St. Peter and St. Paul’s, Warsop.